December 2012 Sutton man jailed for raping young girl A SUTTON man in his 60s has been handed a decade in jail for raping a teenage girl. John Goddard, formally of Clare Road, previously pleaded guilty to the rape of a child aged between 13 and 15. The 63-year-old was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court today (Monday 3rd December) where he received 10 years imprisonment. He will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register. The court heard how Goddard fled Nottinghamshire following the incident on 11th June last June. Intelligence led detectives to Leicestershire where they circulated his details among officers. Goddard was arrested in Leicestershire in May after a PCSO recognised him. Even then Goddard gave false details, but his deception was in vain. He was arrested and brought back to Nottinghamshire to be questioned. Det Con Rhona Keenan, from the child abuse investigation team said: “John Goddard was fully aware of the seriousness of his actions and spent the following year avoiding the consequences. His victim, however, had no such option. “She did not hide. She spoke out, showing a greater maturity than her attacker and an incredible bravery and determination to secure a conviction against this man to ensure he can no longer manipulate or hurt anyone else.” If you suspect a child is being abused, or you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, call 999 in an emergency, otherwise contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For support and advice about sexual assault call the Topaz Centre (Nottinghamshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre), on 0845 600 15 88 or email support@topazcentre.org.uk Alternatively, call Nottingham Rape Crisis on 0115 9410440.