MAN JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE AND CARELESS DRIVING IN IPSWICH

A 44-year-old man named Francois Havenga was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of serious crimes at Ipswich Crown Court. The charges include two counts of raping a schoolgirl and an offence of careless driving involving an Audi A3 on the A140 at Brockford and Spinner Close in Ipswich. Although he was initially suspected of dangerous driving, the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of careless driving. Prior to the sentencing, Havenga sent a text message expressing remorse and stating he would keep driving until he ran out of road. Police attempted to stop Havenga on the A140, but he sped away and allegedly drove dangerously through Ipswich before fleeing on foot. After his arrest, he denied the allegations of raping a schoolgirl and also claimed he had no sexual interest in children. The victim’s mother shared a poignant victim impact statement, describing how her daughter would cry herself to sleep, was threatened by Havenga, and now struggles with anxiety and trust issues. The court sentenced Havenga to 12 years in custody with three additional years on extended license, meaning he must serve a minimum of eight years. His driving license was endorsed with six points, and he will be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.