A Heywood man has been jailed for 27 years following a string of sex offences against a child under the age of 13, over a six-year period.
Manchester Crown Court heard how 38 year old Mark Thornton provided his 11 year old victim with cannabis, vapes and cash to buy the victim’s silence, after raping her in multiple locations in Rochdale.
Detective Constable Martin Adams from Rochdale’s Child Protection Investigation Unit said: “Firstly I’d like to pay homage to the victim and her family for having the bravery to support our investigation by coming forward, which would have undoubtedly been a difficult thing for anyone to do.
“I hope this result gives them confidence in the authorities and provides them with a sense of justice whilst coming to terms with this horrible crime.
“Thornton showed no remorse for his actions, sparing little thought for the distressing impact that this could have on his young victim.
