Clacton child rapist jailed for 22 years after sick abuse

CLACTON CHILD RAPIST JAILED FOR 22 YEARS AFTER SICK ABUSE

A MONSTER who raped a young girl in a campaign of sexual abuse and then threatened her when he found out she was pregnant has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Michael Sheehan, aged 44, subjected his victim to years of sexual abuse and told her she wouldn’t be believed if she confided in anyone about the abuse.

Chelmsford Crown Court was told that Sheehan targeted the girl for three years, and the full extent of his offences only became clear after the victim gave birth to his child.

She told officers about the pregnancy two weeks before she went into labour, and Sheehan falsely claimed he had cancer in response.

After the child's birth, the victim confirmed through DNA testing that Sheehan was the father.

Following the arrest at a caravan park in north Essex, Sheehan admitted one charge of child rape and subsequently pleaded guilty to nine counts of raping a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and one of assault by penetration.

He denied six other charges.

The court heard how Sheehan abandoned the victim after she gave birth, offering no support and keeping her secret, disregarding her and the unborn child's wellbeing.

During sentencing, Judge Jamie Sawyer described the case as sexual abuse on a rare scale and sentenced Sheehan to 22 years, with an extended four-year term added due to his dangerous offender status.

Sheehan will also be a registered sex offender for life.