A DETECTIVE has praised the bravery of a young girl whose evidence led to a rapist receiving a 30-year sentence at court.

Over a ten-month period, David Dibell raped the girl and hit her so badly she was left with internal injuries which required surgery.

The 27-year-old denied the offences, which were committed in 2018 while he was living in the Durham City area, but was found guilty of six charges including rape of a child, sexual assault and GBH with intent after a trial at Durham Crown Court.

Last month, Dibell, of Broadmeadows in Washington, was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with a six-year extended license.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Police began an investigation after the young girl attended hospital and the extent of her injuries and bruising alerted medical staff.

She later revealed what had happened to her to specialist support officers.

Detective constable Claire Trewick, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a truly appalling crime and I am delighted at the lengthy sentence which has been handed down by the court; it will give David Dibell many years to think about the dreadful damage he has done to this young girl’s life.

“More importantly, I’d like to praise this brave young girl and her family for having the courage to stand up to this man and bring him to justice – hopefully they can now begin to get on with the long process of rebuilding their lives.

“Finally, I would like to say to anyone who is suffering sexual abuse in silence: you are not alone and there is hope: our officers are ready to listen and willing to help.

“I would urge anyone in that situation to have the same courage as this young girl and come forward to us with information and we will take action.”

Anyone who wishes to report sexual abuse should call Durham Constabulary’s Safeguarding teams on 101.