A BABYSITTER who raped and molested a girl who he was supposed to be looking after has been jailed for six years.

Craig Beckett, aged 27, of Diamond Street, Leigh, committed the offences over a number of years when he was aged between 12 and 17.

Beckett was entrusted to take care of the girl, who can not be named for legal reasons, but instead abused her. He began by indecently assaulting her and later raped her.

The complainant is now an adult and only spoke out to the police about her years of sexual abuse in May last year.

Beckett, a father of three young children, was arrested in June, 2008. At the time of the arrest, he described the charges against him as “malicious and false”. However, he was convicted following a trial.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Beckett was sentenced to three years on three counts of indecent assault, and a concurrent term of six years for 10 counts of rape.

Prosecutor Michael Leeming said Beckett had abused the girl from the age of six until she was aged 11.

He added: “In May, 2007, she reported the matters to the police and she felt strong enough to make the complaint.”

Steven Swift, defending, said: “The defendant accepts the verdict of the jury and now the decision of the court.

“I ask Your Honour to reflect that the defendant himself was 17 at he time of the last offence.

“The concern now on the defendant’s behalf is the effect on his children is of paramount concern.

“He is of good character and has a settled private life.”

Judge Bernard Lever said: “I have given this difficult case very careful consideration.

“From being aged six and until aged 11, you subjected this girl to sustained sexual abuse.

“You began by indecently assaulting her and progressed to rape.

“You gave no thought to the effects your behaviour was having. You must understand, and your family and friends must understand, that these are very serious offences.”