A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of a girl under the age of 13 in West Sussex.
David Niblett, 42, committed the offences between January 2014 and December 2015. The victim was between six and eight years old at the time.
The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been supported by specially trained officers.
The incidents were reported to Sussex Police after the victim confided in a family member, who made the report to police.
Niblett fled to Spain after becoming aware that the allegations had been brought to police attention in 2015.
He was arrested in Spain on 30 December 2025 after the circulation of an Interpol Red Notice and was subsequently extradited back to the UK. The arrests and extradition involved joint working between Interpol, the National Crime Agency’s extradition team and Spanish Authorities.
Niblett, of Uxbridge Road, Uxbridge, appeared at Portsmouth Court on 15 June 2026 where he pled guilty to two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13.
At Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 14 August, Niblett was sentenced to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment and an extra year on licence. He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
DC Jacob Parkin from the Public Protection Team in West Sussex said: “Niblett carried out heinous crimes that breached the trust of his victim.
“She showed tremendous bravery and courage throughout the investigation.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report their experience to police.
“We were determined to get justice for the victim and ensure Niblett was held accountable for his actions.”
Support services for victims of rape and serious sexual offences: https://www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/
Information about how Sussex Police investigate rape and sexual assault is available online here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-investigation/
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