Man raped 12-year-old girl he groomed online

Adapted from SkyNews

A man has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after subjecting a 12-year-old girl to a horrific sexual attack, Scotland Yard said.

Sami Tesfay, 22, groomed his victim on a social networking site before meeting her in person and persuading her to come home with him.

He then raped the young girl in a stairwell on January 23.

Tesfay, of Lewisham, south east London, has a history of "beguiling" vulnerable youngsters and gaining their trust, police said.

He was found guilty of rape in July and was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on September 20, Scotland Yard said.

Detective Constable James Taylor, of Sapphire, which investigates sex crimes, said: "Tesfay used a social networking site to befriend his victim.

"He groomed her, gained her trust and exploited her for his own needs. The victim has now seen him convicted for what he did to her.

"This case highlights the negative side of social media and the need for parents to be vigilant around who their children are communicating with online.

"This successful outcome, I hope, should encourage other victims of sexual crime to come forward and report what has happened to them."

Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas added: "Tesfay befriends vulnerable children and exploits them.

"In this case the victim was beguiled by his attention and belief that he was sincere about their relationship.

"He has now been found guilty and will be held in a secure facility to prevent harming others.

"Anyone who has been a victim of rape should come forward and tell us what has happened so we and other agencies can provide them with the necessary support."