A paedophile who raped and sexually abused a school girl has been jailed.

Majid Rafizadeh subjected his victim to a campaign of sexual abuse and multiple rapes over a five-year period.

The victim bravely came forward and reported it to police in 2018 and now the 46-year-old rapist has been jailed for 24 years.

Rafizadeh, of Fenham, Newcastle, who was born and raised in Iran, was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court.

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Detective Constable Nicola Wade, who led the investigation said the girl had shown exceptional courage in speaking out against her abuser.

She said: "This man is a predatory paedophile who has taken advantage of the victim and left her emotionally broken.

"She has suffered at the hands of this vile man but has been so brave throughout this investigation.

"I hope this sentence can bring some form of closure but also give others the confidence to come forward and report abuse of any form to police."

Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse should report online via the Northumbria Police website or by contacting 101. 

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