Henry Saklatvala, aged 38, of Skylark Row, Baldwins Gate, who was jailed for 14 years (Image: -)
A child rapist who demanded his schoolgirl victim take the abuse he inflicted on her “to her grave”, has been jailed for more than 14 years.
Despite the threats from body builder Henry Saklatvala, the traumatised girl confided in her mother who alerted the police and the sex monster was arrested.
And the bearded 38-year-old monster has now been jailed for 14 years and three months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court whilst his young victim’s life has been shattered.
In a victim statement the girl’s mum said her daughter now isolates herself and does not want to socialise. She has become angry and now struggles with confidence.
She said: “Her confidence and personality has been stolen. I mourn that loss. I feel deep anger and frustration that someone can hurt a child in this way.”
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The girl said: “He said he would kill himself or be killed in prison. He used to tell me this every time. I tend to struggle to concentrate at school. I have been receiving counselling.”
Saklatvala, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, one count of attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Catherine O’Reilly, mitigating, said Saklatvala has no previous sexual offending on his record and said her client had spared his victim from having to give evidence at trial.
Miss O’Reilly said: “He is appalled by his actions. He knows he can’t ever take back what he has done. But he hopes she can move forward in a positive engaging manner and obtain the support she needs in order to do that. He was on steroids and drinking a significant amount of alcohol at that time. That is no excuse for his behaviour. He has underlying issues with self-esteem. He suffers from anxiety and depression. He has now put himself in a position where he will be judged for the rest of his life by his actions.”
He admitted his raped at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
Miss O’Reilly said since being held behind bars on remand Saklatvala had become a “trusted prisoner” who is helping other inmates who are struggling with addictions.
She added: “He has demonstrated genuine shame and remorse. There is no evidence of an entrenched sexual deviance or predatory intent. He does express considerable concern for the harm caused for the victim, her family and his family. It must be a sentence of considerable length but I know you will temper that with totality. I ask you to give him some hope for the future and not crush him entirely.”
Judge Sally Hancox said Saklatvala was not a dangerous offender but his sentence would still be lengthy.
Judge Hancox said: “She chose not to take these matters to her grave. It has had a devastating effect on your victim and her family.”
Saklatvala is now subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. He must serve two-thirds of the sentence before he will be considered for release by the parole board.
Detective Constable Mylene Bepole, of Staffordshire Police’s child protection team, said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this outcome for the survivor in this case, who has shown immeasurable bravery in coming forward.
“No matter how recent or long ago offences may have been, we want to deliver these types of outcomes for survivors across Staffordshire. That starts with coming forward and speaking to specialist officers in confidence.”
