Army cadet leader who drove to Grantham to rape schoolgirl is jailed

David Thorne pretended to be 17 to when he arranged to meet up with the schoolgirl near her home. Credit: Lincolnshire Police

An army cadet leader who raped a 12-year-old girl after driving to the Grantham area to meet her has been jailed.

David Thorne, of New Crescent in Cherry Willingham, pleaded guilty to eight sexual offences, including five rape charges on a child aged under-13 and three offences of assault by penetration on the same victim.

All the offences happened on three dates in December 2023.

The 22-year-old, was studying policing at a university in Hull.

He previously admitted the sexual contact between himself, and the victim had taken place, but claimed the girl had told him she was 17.

However, his claim was dismissed.

The court heard Thorne met up with the schoolgirl on a number of occasions, driving from his home to pick her up from the Grantham area.

Thorne wore his army cadet uniform during one of his visits to see the victim.

Giving evidence in court, the girl insisted she told Thorne her real age and said it was Thorne who claimed to be 17.

Judge Simon Hirst told Thorne he had "no hesitation" in accepting the victim’s account of events.

In an impact statement from the victim, which was read out in court, she said it made her "angry, upset and sad."

Detective Constable Victoria Oakes, praised the victim for her bravery and courage.

She said, "I am in awe of the victim involved in this case. They have been immense. The bravery and courage they have displayed over the last year has been truly incredible and I hope that this result offers some sense of closure.

"Thorne’s actions are reprehensible and completely unacceptable in our society. His victim was clearly underage, and he knew that."

David Thorne was jailed for 14 years, and also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He will have to serve an extended period of 12 months on licence when he is released from custody. A restraining order will also prevent Thorne having any further contact with his victim.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...