Rapist asks for long sentence

A 47-year-old man who repeatedly raped a young girl, was last night starting an 11-year jail sentence, after the defendant himself asked for the maximum sentence he could get.

A 47-year-old man who repeatedly raped a young girl, was last night starting an 11-year jail sentence, after the defendant himself asked for the maximum sentence he could get.

Christopher Olive of the Lizard, Wymondham, admitted 10 offences of rape of the girl, who he first raped when she was 14.

Olive was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and banned from ever working with children.

Nick Methold, prosecuting, at Norwich Crown Court, said on another occasion he had raped the girl on her 16th birthday, telling her it was the best birthday present she would ever get.

The girl eventually came forward to make a complaint and Olive was arrested.

The defendant who sat with his head bowed in the dock, asked that he received the maximum sentence for what he had done.

His barrister Michael Clare, said that his instructions were not to mitigate on Olive's behalf as he was so ashamed of his behaviour.

“He said he deserves the maximum sentence. He does not want me on his behalf to seek any reduction on his sentence.”

However, Judge Paul Downes, said that by pleading guilty Olive had spared the girl the ordeal of coming to court but said that was the only mitigation in his favour.

After the hearing, Det Con David Aldridge, who investigated the case said: “I applaud the strength of the victim who after many years of unimaginable abuse felt that she was able to come forward and report this matter to the police. I would urge anyone else in a similar position to report it to us and we will support them throughout the process”