Man jailed for multiple child sex offences

A man who admitted raping a child along with multiple other child sexual offences has been jailed for 19 years, followed by a further six on licence.

Aaron Starmer, 36, of Burton-on-Trent, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 26 March, after pleading guilty on 3 October to 10 offences.

They included rape of a child, attempted rape of a child, sexual assault of a child, and several charges involving sexual activity with a child.

He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, given an indefinite sexual risk prevention order and a restraining order to prevent him contacting the victim.

He did not have previous convictions for sexual offences, Staffordshire Police said.

Officers said they started their investigation after the victim told someone what had happened.

He was arrested the same day and was charged and remanded into custody the following day, they added.

"I would like to comment on the outstanding bravery of the victim in this case and their immense courage to come forward," said Det Con Sophie Smart.

"Staffordshire Police encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to come forward and report it so that robust action can be taken and justice can be served."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.