Child rapist lied to victim about age on Snapchat

Image source, South Yorkshire Police

Image caption, Lewis Stacey was jailed for eight-and-a-half years at Sheffield Crown Court

A child rapist who used a false name and told his victim he was 15 years old has been jailed.

Lewis Stacey, 21, attacked a 12-year-old girl after lying about his age over Snapchat.

He raped her twice after meeting her for the first time in June 2022, before assaulting her again in a Sheffield park a month later.

He was jailed for eight-and-a-half years at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday after earlier admitting rape charges.

South Yorkshire Police said Stacey's offending came to light when his young victim "bravely came forward" and reported what had happened.

After his arrest, he initially denied ever having met the girl, but later pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to the case after forensic evidence proved he was responsible.

Det Con Jason Earl said: "This incident has had a profound effect on the victim and I would like to praise her for the tremendous courage and dignity she has shown throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

"I am pleased that Stacey is behind bars where he can do no further harm, and I hope this sentencing allows the victim to attempt to move forward with her life."

Stacey, of Richmond Road in Sheffield, was also given a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim when he is released.

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