A man who raped a teenage girl at his home in Coalville has been sentenced to 12 years in jail - more than five years after the offence.

But Leicestershire Police have praised the victim's bravery and the dedication of an officer which led to the conviction.

Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Warren Seerattan-Waldrom, 30, was found guilty on February 24 this year of rape and sexual assault against a teenage girl, who was under 16, following an incident which happened in July 2017. 

Seerattan-Waldrom had been charged in November, 2019.

Yesterday (Thursday) at the same court, he was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Katie Leadbetter praised the bravery and patience of the victim and her family which had allowed the conviction to happen.

DC Leadbetter said: "This has been an extremely difficult time for the victim and her family as they have waited firstly for our extensive enquiries to be completed to enable charges to be made and then for the trial to be heard.

"My focus has remained on providing full support to the victim and her family to ensure the case came to court.  

"Without the victim's bravery, patience and co-operation during this time, we would not have been able to see this conviction happen and Seerattan-Waldrom face responsibility for his actions."

Seerattan-Waldrom was 24-years-old at the time of the offence and the victim was under 16 years old. 

He had picked the victim up and taken her to his home address at the time in Coalville. 

During the early hours of the morning, Seerattan-Waldrom sexually assaulted the victim.  

Warren Seerattan-Waldrom. Photo: Leicestershire Police

The victim told him to stop which he did, but then shortly after, Seerattan-Waldrom removed some of the girl's clothing and had sex with her without her consent.  The victim told Seerattan-Waldrom 'no' a number of times before and during the assault but he continued.

The victim immediately confided in friends about what had happened following the offence being committed before bravely telling her mum a few days later who contacted police.

Support was provided to the victim who underwent a forensic medical examination and was interviewed. This led to Seerattan-Waldrom being arrested the following day.

Seerattan-Waldrom denied the offence and stated he assumed the victim was older and that the sex had been consensual.

Further extensive enquiries were carried out leading to Seerattan-Waldrom later being charged.

Detective Inspector Simon Preston, from the force's Signal department, said: "The bravery and strength of the victim to keep working with us over all these years has been incredible and has ensured that justice has finally been done.

"DC Leadbetter has also been instrumental in making sure the victim was fully supported and that the investigation continued progressing to court and was heard in court – her dedication to obtaining this outcome has been outstanding.

"If you are a victim of a sexual offence, please speak with us - we will provide full support to you and will fully investigate. Alternatively, please speak with someone else who you can trust and please remember that support is always available to you."

You can report to police online HERE or call 101. More information, advice and support can also be found HERE.