A predatory paedophile was snared by police after his schoolgirl victim bravely told her friend about a sickening campaign of abuse.

Ben Wheatley, 24, has been put behind bars for eight years after being convicted of abusing the young girl back in 2014.

His victim, who has lifelong anonymity and should not be identified, was so terrified by her abuser that she remained silent for years.

Several years later she bravely confided in her friend who, despite still being a child herself, decided the right thing to do was to tell her own mother.

The police were informed and Wheatley, of North Shields, was arrested in 2019 on suspicion of a sustained period of sexual abuse.

Wheatley, who was 17 and 18 at the time of the attacks, denied his guilt but on September 17 a jury found him guilty of three counts of raping a child under 13.

On Monday, he was back before Newcastle Crown Court where a statement written by his victim was read out.

In it, she said: “It is really hard to put down in words the pain he has caused. The secrecy around this made me feel as if I had the weight of the world on my shoulders.

“The fear of speaking up was awful, when I told my mam and dad the truth about it all, I felt like everything had lifted.”

She added: “The only hope I have is that now I have spoken out about this is that he realises how much pain he has caused and it may stop this possibly happening to another child.”

Wheatley was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and was put on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Ehala, who was in charge of the case at Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, has praised the victim and her friend.

She said: “The victim’s best friend, though only a child herself, recognised the seriousness of what she had been told and knew that if there was ever a time to tell an adult, it was now.

“I would encourage anyone who might find themselves in a similar position, concerned about a friend and fearful they have or are being abused sexually, to always tell a trusted adult – a parent, teacher or police officer.”

She added: “I would also like to praise the victim and her parents, for their bravery throughout the course of the investigation and court proceedings.

“I hope the victim, her family and her friend can take comfort knowing they have helped put a predatory paedophile in prison.

“I encourage anyone out there who may think their friend or loved one is in a similar position to please report it.

“Every report will be taken seriously, treated with the utmost compassion and you will be fully supported.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.