Teenager guilty of raping girl, four

A teenager was found guilty today of raping a four-year-old girl while she was in a park to feed the ducks, according to police.

The 17-year-old boy from Milton Keynes, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of one count of rape by a unanimous jury at Huntingdon Crown Court at the end of a 14-day trial.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said the incident happened on August 13, 2009, at about 3.30pm at Emerberton Park, Olney, Bucks where the victim had gone with her family to feed the ducks.

The offender approached the victim as she played in a busy children's play park.

Twelve days later the victim identified the offender in a local shop by the distinctive t-shirt he was wearing.

Police were called and the boy was arrested and later charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Vigurs, who led the investigation, said: "I am grateful to the jury for this verdict and believe it fairly reflects the evidence they have heard.

"The victim in this case was four-years-old and I think it is very important for people to see that the judicial system values the evidence of someone so young and is working to protect vulnerable victims.

"Despite her young age, the victim was able to give a detailed account of what happened to her and seeing her giving evidence reminded me of how brave she has been.

"It is now over a year after this serious incident and at last I hope the victim and her family can begin to put this experience behind them."

On a second count of rape the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

The defendant will be sentenced at Huntingdon Crown Court on January 10, 2011.