Detectives have praised the courage of a girl who was raped after her attacker was jailed.
Officers said her bravery throughout the investigation and court process was to be commended after the sentencing of Josh Atkinson, 22.
Atkinson, of Cockfield Drive, Workington, committed the rape in 2017.
He was found guilty following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday to four years imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Jaime Warwick, after the sentence, said: “I want to thank the victim and her family for coming forward.
“I’d like to commend her bravery throughout this extremely difficult process.”
DS Warwick added: “All crimes such as this are treated seriously and with sensitivity.
“We understand that not everybody who has suffered sexual assault or rape wants a police investigation or to go court.
“It is really important that everyone knows that there are support services available should they need them, whether or not there is a criminal investigation.
“If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, we would always encourage you to report it to police, so that we can ensure you are put in contact with the appropriate support service.
“Your report will be taken seriously and investigated by specialist officers should you wish.
“However, there are a large range of support services that can be accessed regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police or not.”
