A teenager who raped an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Worcestershire has been jailed for 10 years and ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
George Gary Morrissey, 19, was convicted of attacking the victim at stables near Redditch following a seven-day trial last month.
Morrissey, formerly of Pershore but now of Mount Street, Redditch, denied attacking the victim, who was a gifted junior showjumper but stopped competing as a result of the abuse.
Speaking after Morrissey was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court, Detective Constable Martin Grant said: "This is a substantial sentence which reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed by Morrissey against this young girl.
"The young people of Worcestershire are safer now that Morrissey is behind bars.
"He was in a position of trust when these offences happened and he abused that in a terrible way."
Mr Grant, a member of the West Mercia Public Protection Unit, added: "I never cease to be impressed by the bravery of children who have the courage to give evidence against their abusers in cases like this."
