A MAN who raped a child was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court today.

Luiz Assuncao, 41, of Drummond Square, Wigan, has today been sentenced to 13 years in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to 17 counts of rape.

He will also have to sign the sex offenders’ register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life.

Between April 2018 and March 2019, Assuncao raped the victim– a girl who is under the age of 13 – on 17 separate occasions.

A short time after the abuse took place the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother who contacted police. A full investigation was launched by GMP and Assuncao was arrested in the coming days.

During police interview, Assuncao replied ‘no comment’ to all 166 questions put to him by detectives. However, he plead guilty to all 17 counts at a hearing on Tuesday 23 April 2019.

Detective sergeant Eleanor Humphreys, of GMP’s public protection investigation unit in Wigan, said: “The magnitude and severity of Assuncao’s crimes cannot and should not ever be underestimated. This is a man who subjected an innocent child to the most horrendous and sickening abuse and prison is absolutely where he belongs.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim, who in coming forward has helped to take away the freedom of this dangerous and predatory offender. More than anything, I hope that this sentence brings the victim and her family some closure and they are able to move on with their lives.

“This case should highlight just how seriously we take reports of this nature and our absolute commitment to seeking justice for those affected by such heinous acts. Please, if you’re struggling and need support - we are here to listen.”

Greater Manchester Police is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

- If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500.

- Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 0161 236 2182.