A 'predatory' Swindon child rapist who preyed on a girl under the age of 10 and made 'horrific' threats if she went to the police has been found guilty of 26 sex offences.

Matthew Vandross, 30, of Homington Avenue, faced four charges of rape of a child under 13, 21 of digital penetration and one of sexual assault by touching at a five-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court this week.

The offences took place between October 2020 and May 2021.

Reacting to the verdict, Det Con Mel Neal, from Wiltshire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “This predatory offender took advantage of a vulnerable child and abused her in the worst and most horrific way.

“Not only that, but he made horrific threats towards her if she dared report his offending to police.”

The victim was under the age of 10 at the time and reported the incidents to the police with support of a friend who had witnessed her ordeal.

DC Neal also said: “I would like to personally pay tribute to the two children involved in this case – it is thanks to their bravery that we secured a successful prosecution.

“Both girls have shown extreme bravery and courage beyond their years, despite enduring such a traumatic ordeal.

“Working within the Child Abuse Investigation Team, we come to work every day to protect people like these two girls and secure some form of justice for them.

“Since the beginning of this investigation, we have worked closely with partner agencies to ensure the victims in this case received the appropriate support and safeguarding they required.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sex abuse to report it to police – no matter how much time has passed since the offences took place.

“We are committed to targeting dangerous offenders like Vandross and will do everything we can to ensure they are put before the courts.”

Vandross will be sentenced on November 15 at Salisbury Crown Court.

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault then you can report this to the police by calling 101 or by following this link: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/#:~:text=Call%20101,or%20just%20get%20some%20advice.

You can also get support here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/#:~:text=Sexual%20assault%20referral%20centres%20(SARCs,appointment%20with%20your%20nearest%20one.