Inverness man Paul Barrett jailed for raping girl

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-24651295

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A man who repeatedly raped a nine-year-old girl has been jailed for five years and four months.

Paul Barrett, 44, from Inverness, abused the child at an address in Cannich in the Highlands between 1 April 2012 and 17 February this year.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Barrett forced the child to participate in sexual acts with him.

He pleaded guilty to a rape charge at the High Court last month. Sentence had been deferred for reports.

'Complete abhorrence'

Defence advocate Shahid Latif told the court that Barrett was sorry for his conduct and had fully co-operated with the police and prosecutors.

Mr Latif added: "Nothing can be said to justify or mitigate a crime of this nature.

"Mr Barrett is an individual who has realised the devastation of what he has done."

Passing sentence Lord Pentland described Barrett as "cruel, devious and manipulative".

He added: "Society has a complete abhorrence towards crimes of this nature and it is the responsibility of the courts to reflect that and to deter others who may be persuaded to commit crimes of this type."