Ex-Greater Manchester Police officer jailed for rape of a child

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-28806279

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A retired police officer has been jailed for raping and sexually abusing a child.

John Travis, 63, of Turf Lane, Royton, was found guilty after a trial of two counts of rape, four indecent assaults and two counts of indecency with a child.

Police said Travis started abusing his victim in the early 1980s when she was 11.

He was sentenced to 17 years at Minshull Street Crown Court.

'Appalling acts'

Travis, who retired from Greater Manchester Police in 1997, was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Det Con Lucy Shaw said: "Right from the beginning, Travis physically and mentally controlled the victim and took advantage of her age.

"When she told family about the abuse, Travis was confronted but he denied this, claiming the victim had made it up and she was a trouble-maker."

Det Con Shaw added: "Thankfully, as she got older, she realised she would not let him get away with what he had done and reported the crimes to police.

"Her bravery has ensured we have been able to investigate this fully and finally brought Travis to justice for the appalling acts he committed on a young girl.

"He has had a devastating effect on her life, causing irreparable damage."