Paedophile groomed victim with art supplies

A paedophile who groomed a child by giving her art supplies before he raped her has been jailed for life.

After a trial at Luton Crown Court, John Angeli was found guilty of 12 charges including rape, assault by penetration and sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.

He also admitted four counts of rape, voyeurism, and possession of indecent images of a child.

On Friday, the 60-year-old, of Steeplestone Close, London, was sentenced to life imprisonment and told he would serve a minimum term of 14 years.

The court heard how Angeli had coerced the girl, who was from Bedfordshire, into believing they were in a relationship by giving her money, sweets and drinks over a period of months.

Afterwards, he raped and sexually assaulted her, sometimes filming the abuse.

In court, Judge Allison Hunter told Angeli: "You set about grooming her from the outset so that she believed she was having a loving relationship that you persuaded her was completely appropriate for her age."

Det Con Bryony Ballin, from Bedfordshire Police's protecting vulnerable people team, urged other victims of child sexual abuse to come forward.

She said: "We work hard to tackle all forms of abuse against children and would urge anyone who has concerns that a child is being sexually abused, or has been a victim themselves, no matter how long ago, to come forward.

"It's never too late to report a crime. When you are ready, we are here."

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