November 2016 Man, 23, jailed for for raping child under 13 A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 14 years for raping a child under 13-years-old. Blaenau Gwent man Brett Vaughan was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court for three counts of rape of a child under 13-years-old. Vaughan was found guilty by a jury after trial. The court heard it was a “prolonged” period of abuse of a child which started when the defendant was 16-years-old. Judge Tom Crowther QC sentenced Vaughan to a total of 15 years; 14 years in custody with a further one year period to be spent on licence in the community. Judge Crowther said the abuse has had a “significant impact on the victim and continues to do so”. He said: “She will never leave this behind.” Judge Crowther ordered that Vaughan would be made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which prohibits the defendant from living with children or working with children and vulnerable adults. Judge Crowther said Vaughan will be eligible for release in seven years, a decision that will be made by a parole board panel who will have to be satisfied that the defendant does not pose a danger to the public before choosing whether he can be released on licence.