Babysitter jailed for rape of boy 40 years ago

Nigel Harper was in his late teens in 1975 when he was babysitting.

The 57-year-old,who worked as a barman in a social club in Wolverhampton, abused the boy before ordering him not to tell anyone or he would 'be in trouble'.

Harper, of Ingleby Gardens, Whitmore Reans, was convicted of raping a child under 13 after trial last June.

Judge Amjad Nawaz said: "This was an offence committed against a young child.

"The serious aggravating feature in this case, apart from the age of your victim, is that you were in a position of trust.

"You were babysitting the child. You were experimenting. You told him that you were playing a game that involved removing clothes."

The court then heard the graphic details of his abuse.

Mr Nawaz added: "You stopped when you realised you were doing something wrong. But you told him not to tell anybody or he would be in trouble.

"This offence happened in 1975. I have factored in that you were young yourself when you committed this offence."

Defence solicitor Simon Hanns told the judge: "A letter has been received from his doctor.

"The report makes mention of problems with his knee. He also has serious heart problems and had a heart attack a few years ago.

"Prior to his conviction he was of previous good character.

"He has a settled home address with his wife and two children.

"He maintains he is not guilty of this offence, but he has prepared himself for his inevitable sentence.

"This is a very historic offence, it happened 40 years ago.

"He was 16 or 17 when he committed this offence, so he was somewhat younger and less mature."

Mr Nawaz said: "The victim has had to resort to seeing a counsellor.

"It has taken him significant courage to tell the authorities about this. He has been left affected by this. Only a custodial sentence will be appropriate."