iStockA former care worker who raped a girl from a children’s home where he was a manager has been jailed for nine and a half years.
Denis Donnell, 47, repeatedly preyed on the vulnerable teenager who was left badly affected by her harrowing ordeal.
Donnell was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.
He had earlier been found guilty after a trial in Paisley of a total of four charges including rape.
Donnell was a care manager at the home in Johnstone, Renfrewshire at the time of the offences which occurred between December 2022 and February 2023.
Judge Sheena Fraser told the predator: “You were in a position of trust because of your employment at the care home at which the girl was placed.
“You knew how young and vulnerable she was – but yet you still targeted her.
“She became isolated and dependent on you. The impact on her has been significant and long lasting.
“Given your occupation, you must have known that harm would result from this behaviour.”
The sex attacks took place in different locations in Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.
Donnell also sent her inappropriate photos of himself on social media.
He initially appeared in court in February 2023 and was banned from going near the child. But he sent her messages and tried to approach her.
It meant Donnell appeared from custody during his trial.
The court was told that, in a pre-sentencing report, he continued to claim he did not rape the child, but that he now realised there was “no consent”.
Allan MacLeod, defending, said Donnell was “thoroughly ashamed” and “wished he could turn the clock back”.
Donnell was put on the sex offenders list and has been banned from approaching or contacting the girl for an indefinite period.
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