A LEADING children's charity has branded a rapist's crimes as 'truly horrendous'.

Andrew Rutter was jailed for eight years for sexually abusing and raping his young victim a number of times over a two-month period.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 41-year-old performed a number of sex acts on the victim whilst encouraging them to carry out sexual activity with him.

A NSPCC spokesperson said: “The offences admitted by Rutter are truly horrendous and can have devastating and potentially lifelong effects.

"We hope that the appropriate support is in place for the child, to help them move forward from such trauma.

"It is crucial that anyone who has been abused feels safe to report what has happened to them, no matter who the offender is or how long ago the offence took place, in the knowledge that they will be listened to.”

Rutter, of Goldrill Gardens, Redcar, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child under 13; engage in sexual activity with a child under 13; sexual assault on a child under 13 by penetration; and oral rape.

Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told Rutter that his offending was ‘extraordinarily serious’ and jailed him for eight years with an additional one year on extended licence following his release.

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk 365 days of the year.