Man, 45, jailed for sexually abusing girl under 13

Zhara Simpson
BBC News, South West
Devon and Cornwall Police A police mugshot of Neclp UsluDevon and Cornwall Police
Neclp Uslu did not admit what he had done

A 45-year-old man has been jailed for 15 years for the sexual abuse and rape of a girl under 13.

Neclp Uslu, of Fore Street in Pool, Cornwall, had denied six assaults of a girl under 13 by touching, two assaults of a girl under 13 by penetration, and rape of a girl under 13, but jurors found him guilty on all counts.

The abuse came to light and an investigation began following a disclosure by the victim at school.

At Truro Crown Court, Judge Simon Carr also handed Uslu an additional year on extended licence.

The court heard Uslu must also sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Uslu, a Turkish national, targeted the victim on a number of occasions.

Uslu was arrested at Stansted Airport after arriving back in the UK from a trip to Turkey and taken to Exeter Custody Suite where he was interviewed by police,

He denied any sexual offending towards the victim had ever taken place.

Det Con Joanna De Seta said the abuse had had a huge impact on the victim's schooling and life in general.

'Courage unwavering'

"We hope she is now able to feel some closure," she said.

"Uslu never had the courage to admit what he had done, meaning the victim was forced to give evidence in court."

Det Con De Seta thanked the victim for bravely disclosing what Uslu had done to her and for supporting the case throughout the court process.

"Her doing so has allowed us to bring Neclp Uslu to justice," added Det Con De Seta.

"These serious investigations sometimes take a considerable time to progress to court and her courage has been unwavering."

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this article, help and support is available via BBC Action Line.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].