RAF Mildenhall airman Dennis Rocha jailed for raping 12-year-old autistic girl in Wiltshire

A US airman has been jailed for raping a 12-year-old autistic girl while stationed in the UK.

Dennis Rocha, 18, engaged the victim in sexual conversations on Snapchat, Swindon Crown Court heard yesterday.

He then drove 140 miles from his base at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to meet up with the youngster in Wiltshire in April this year.

A sexual encounter then took place.

The victim subsequently told her mother, who reported it to the police, and Rocha was arrested, charged and remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of raping a child under 13 and was given a sentence of six years and eight months.

A one-year licence extension period was also imposed, and Rocha will also be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders' register on release.

The Californian US Air Force airman was described as a kind-hearted and gentle young man in several character references provided to the court, according to defence barrister Sam Jones.

"It was only when he returned to base did the reality of what he had done sink in”, he said.

He added that Rocha was genuinely remorseful for his actions.

Mr Jones asked the court to take into account his client's youth, inexperience, naivety and lack of maturity - coupled with his own sexual inexperience and the loneliness of being away from home.

Addressing the court on a video link from Bullingdon Prison, Rocha said: "First off I just want to apologise to the family and anyone else I have hurt because of this incident.

"I wish this never happened... and I am so sorry, I hope you can forgive me and have mercy upon me."

Sentencing Judge Townsend said: "You had ample opportunity to think twice about what you were doing but you persisted.

"You knew that she was far younger than you and obviously vulnerable.”

Investigating officer DC Amanda Lord, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Rocha instigated this encounter with the victim despite knowing she was underage.

“He knew what he was doing was illegal and had ample opportunity to cease contact with the victim, but continued and took advantage of her for his own gain.

“We take offences like these incredibly seriously and we will always look to protect children from predators such as Rocha and ensure perpetrators of sexual offences are put before the courts.

“I’d also like to commend the victim for her bravery and courage in speaking to us.”