A FORMER Whitchurch man who raped a 15-year-old girl, leaving her with long-term mental health issues, was jailed for nine years this week.

Andrew Orrell, 59, had denied rape but was found guilty by a jury of the historic sex offence.

Preston Crown Court heard he raped the teenager in the summer of 2005, when he was then 41.

Orrell, who maintained his innocence throughout his trial, raped the girl at his flat after he stopped his car to buy alcohol at a nearby shop, just weeks before her 16th birthday.

OTHER NEWS:

The victim said she was asleep in a bed when Orrell, who had said he would sleep on the sofa, got in beside her and raped her.

After the incident, the victim moved from the area and never heard from Orrell again, until a year later when he sent her a message via Facebook which read, "You're hot".

Prosecutor Sharon Johnson told the court the victim did not report the rape until she went to therapy in 2020.

She said: "The victim felt it lasted forever, but it was only 15 minutes.

"She pretended to be asleep whilst he was on top of her, and when she woke up she had a shower, but still felt dirty and horrible."

An impact statement from the victim said: "Since this incident, I have felt my life has been frozen and stopped me from maturing.

"I have moved away from the North and I still struggle around older men and relationships.

"I have anxiety and depression. He took me at the most vulnerable time of my life and I struggle with showers even now."

Mitigating, Cathy McCluck told the court Orrell had no intention of contacting or visiting the victim ever again.

Orrell, who has refused to admit his crimes even after conviction, also claimed the victim accused him of rape in order to receive money.

Ms McCluck said: "This is an extremely difficult case for a defence to come into. The defendant still believes she consented."

Sentencing Orrell, of Bacup in Lancashire, Judge Heather Lloyd said: "During the trial you and your counsel were keen to emphasise your plea of innocence. 

"You caused much distress. You claim you have mental health problems but I am yet to see evidence of it. 

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@whitchurchherald.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

"You are not at risk of reoffending, but you have delayed justice with your not guilty plea."

Orrell received a nine-year sentence for rape, and four months for breaking bail, and will serve two-thirds before being eligible for release on licence. 

Orrell sparked two separate police searches in October 2021 and also in June this year when he went missing, with West Mercia Police stating there were concerns for his welfare. 

However, both times he was found within days.