A CONVICTED rapist has been jailed for a quarter of a century after committing a ‘campaign of violence accompanying rapes’ against a child.

Alejandro Nigro, of Naiad Street on Walney, was found guilty of three counts of child rape by a jury at Preston Crown Court last month.

The 44-year-old was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by His Honour Judge Andrew Jefferies KC at the Sessions House on November 29.

Judge Jefferies KC said: “You turned to a campaign of violence accompanying rapes.

“When you started violently raping her, her world was turned upside down.

“There was obviously severe psychological harm. The case is so severe because of the sheer number of rapes you committed.”

Nigro was also made the subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Katherine Taylor said: “This was predatory behaviour over a number of years, targeted at a young girl who will have to live with the abuse she suffered for the rest of her life.

“The defendant was remorseless and refused to own up to his offending, forcing the victim to give evidence at trial rather than admit to what he had done.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim in this case. She showed remarkable courage and bravery in not only coming forward to the police but in engaging with the court process which has resulted in a dangerous and predatory individual being sentenced to a significant sentence of imprisonment.”

Cumbria Police urges anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

"No matter how long ago an incident occurred, we will do all we can to identify offenders and hold them to account," said DC Taylor.

"You will be supported throughout our investigation and the Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.”

If you wish to report a crime, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

If you have been affected by sexual assault, you can contact The Bridgeway's 24/7 support helpline on 0808 118 6432.