A TEENAGER who raped a six-year-old girl made her ‘pinkie promise’ that she wouldn’t tell anyone about what happened, a court has heard.

Preston Crown Court heard how Ibrahim Javid, now 20, attacked his victim in Blackburn.

He has been jailed for six years.

Details about what had gone on were revealed after police became involved with the matter in April 2017.

Officers interviewed the victim, who told them in detail about what she had been made to do by Javid.

Prosecuting Paul Brookwell said: “After describing the incident, she told police that she had been made to ‘pinkie promise’ that she wouldn’t tell anyone about what had happened.

“When interviewed Mr Javid denied the offence, saying he would never do such a thing.”

Javid, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, continued to maintain his innocence until a trial began in February.

He eventually pleaded on the second day of the trial, on the same day his victim was due to give evidence.

Defence barrister Mark Kellet told the court that Javid had requested the opportunity to directly address the judge to apologise for not only his actions, but the time wasted during the trial phase.

He said: “The defendant was immature, and he had just turned 18 when the offence took place. He is a young man with learning difficulties and problems with his speech.

“There was abuse in his childhood that he both experienced and witnessed.

“The reality is that there are concerns about this defendant. But he is a young man with no previous convictions and there is much work that can be done with him

“This is a case of a very naïve, immature, sexually repressed individual taking an opportunity that presented itself.

“But my submission is that he does not pose a significant risk of serious harm.”

Sentencing Javid to six years in prison, Judge Robert Altham said: “I am aware that there was a substantial amount of family pressure and complications on the defendant from his family. His mother died and he was rejected by his father.

“I accept that his remorse is genuine, principally because he has pleaded guilty.

“I also take into account his immaturity and the fact he has various speech and learning disabilities.”

Javid’s was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.