An 11-year-old girl bought her silence about rape with cannabis, e-cigarettes and cash

A Heywood man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after committing a series of sexual offenses against a child under 13 over a six-year period.

Manchester Crown Court heard how 38-year-old Mark Thornton supplied his 11-year-old victim with cannabis, e-cigarettes and cash to buy the victim’s silence after raping her at several locations in Rochdale.

Detective Constable Martin Adams, from the Child Protection Investigation Unit in Rochdale, said: “Firstly I would like to pay tribute to the victim and his family for having the courage to assist our investigation by coming forward, which no doubt would not have been difficult for anyone would be.” Do.

“I hope this result gives them confidence in the authorities and a sense of justice as they deal with this terrible crime.”

“Thornton showed no remorse for his actions and gave little thought to the painful impact this might have on his young victim.