A rapist who drugged a teenage victim and used her as an accomplice in burglaries has been jailed for eight years.
Kevin Thorburn, 35, from Sunderland, pleaded guilty to raping the girl from the age of 13 over a three-and-a-half year period.
The prolific burglar regularly gave the girl drugs and also used her as a lookout while carrying out burglaries.
The Newcastle Chronicle reports Thorburn will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years.
Det Con Angela Hewitt, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “Thorburn is a horrible man who preyed on the vulnerability of a young girl and took advantage of her consistently over a three-and-a-half-year period. He supplied her with drugs and every time they were alone together he would abuse her.
“To suffer such horrific abuse from a young age has undoubtedly had an effect on the victim and she has had a lot to deal with and overcome.
“Despite all this she has managed to move on and has completely turned her life around and I’m incredibly proud of the transformation she has made to her life from when I first her met her to now.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, praised the victim’s courage for coming forward.
She said: “It has taken great courage for this brave young woman to speak out and, in doing so, our officers have been able to ensure an evil man is put behind bars.
“I urge anyone who has been raped to come forward and to know that Northumbria Police has specialist officers on hand to listen, support and vigorously pursue those responsible for such awful crimes and help bring an attacker to justice.
“You’re never on your on.”