A man has been jailed for 11 years for the “ghastly” rape of a 13-year-old girl whom he winked at while walking to school before luring her into his van and attacking her. Denis Kadena, 34, from Southsea, Hampshire, walked past the schoolgirl in Southampton when he pulled over and convinced her to get into her car on September 14.
He sexually assaulted her before tricking her into getting into the back of his truck where he raped her.
Kadena was found guilty of rape and sexual assault by a jury at Southampton Crown Court and sentenced to 11 years in prison with a four-year license extension and a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
A Hampshire Police spokeswoman said: “The sentencing comes after the girl reported that while she was returning to school… an unknown man in a white van approached her and offered to give her a ride, which she accepted with false pretexts offered by Kadena.
Kadena had initially passed the girl, winked at her, before turning the truck to follow her.
“While in the van, Kadena sexually assaulted her before taking her to a rest area.
“He then told her that he needed help with something in the back of the van, where he raped her before dropping her off near her school.”
Kadena was arrested on September 20 after a police officer saw him driving in the area and recognized him based on the description given by the girl.
Detective Inspector Claire Shawley said: “This was a horrific attack on a girl returning to school.
Det Insp Shawley added: “Understandably, this was a traumatic ordeal for her and I would like to commend her bravery and courage in helping us bring this dangerous man to justice. I hope this sentence brings her some comfort.”
The girl, in an impact statement read in court by prosecutor James Kellam reported by SunHe said: “It took something special away from me.
“I’m starting to rebuild little by little. Now I hope I can put this behind me and try to improve.”