Rapist Caged For Preying On Seven Year-Old Girl

A violent paedophile has been locked-up for ten years for abuse which began a decade ago when his young victim was only seven years-old.

Anthony Huggins, 34, of Bellclose Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, was convicted of rape and sexual abuse.

He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court after being convicted after a two-week trial.

The offences occurred over a four-year period between January, 2009 and December, 2013 in Shepherd's Bush and Ealing.

The incidents came to light on February 4, 2017 when the victim, then aged 17, told nurses of the abuse during a hospital visit.

The nurses then informed the police, prompting an investigation into the claims.

The court heard that Huggins carried out his assaults, unknown to the victim’s mother.

The victim told her family what had happened when she was aged around ten years-old.

The abuse stopped, but began again a few months later.

Both the victim and her family were too scared of Huggins’ persuasive and violent nature to report the abuse to police at that time.

Detective Constable Andrew Hargreaves, an investigator on the case, said: “We are relieved that Huggins has received a just prison sentence for his crimes.

“His abusive and unforgivable behaviour has caused potentially irreparable damage to his victim, who I can only hope will now be provided with some closure following his conviction.

“The ordeal he put her through is something no one should have to experience.

“The bravery shown by the victim will hopefully be a positive example to others, encouraging them to come forward and tell their stories to put these abusers away.”