Man who tried to buy child's silence after rape jailed

A man who used vapes, cash and cannabis to "buy the silence" of a child he raped has been jailed for 27 years.

Mark Thornton, of Heywood, was arrested in May 2022 after raping an 11-year-old girl in multiple locations across Rochdale.

He was found guilty of six counts of rape of a child under the age of 13 over a six-year period.

Greater Manchester Police said the 38-year-old had shown no remorse for his "horrible crimes".

Thornton was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court and put on the sex offenders register for life.

He was also given a indefinite sexual harm prevention and order, and a restraining order.

Det Con Martin Adams said the child and her family had shown "bravery" in supporting the investigation into the abuser.

He said Thornton gave "little thought for the distressing impact" of the sexual offences.

Det Con Adams said he hoped the sentence would give the family confidence in the authorities and a "a sense of justice whilst coming to terms with this horrible crime".

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to get in touch with GMP.

"We will always listen to you and investigate all allegations," he added.