A PERVERT who raped a 13-year-old girl after creeping into her bedroom has been jailed for eight years. Leroy Anthony Francis, 38, from Claremont Road, Wisbech, left the teenager terrified after the sex attack and she kept quiet for 18 months. Francis de

A PERVERT who raped a 13-year-old girl after creeping into her bedroom has been jailed for eight years.

Leroy Anthony Francis, 38, from Claremont Road, Wisbech, left the teenager terrified after the sex attack and she kept quiet for 18 months.

Francis denied the charge of rape but was found guilty by a jury at Croydon Crown Court last Wednesday (April 8).

The attack happened at the girl's home at Thornton Heath, Croydon in November 2006.

Francis had been employed as a painter and decorator at the house.

The court heard that he was painting a room at the property when the girl arrived home alone from school.

Francis went into the teenager's bedroom, told her it was his birthday and raped her.

In October 2008 Francis was arrested at his place of work in Edmonton.

He denied everything and tried to implicate another man working at the address at the same time.

Francis said he was not at the address at the time, but police checked with his employers and found records that showed otherwise.

DC Nicki Buckle, Croydon Sapphire Unit, said: "Francis showed no remorse for his crime even after more than two years, resulting in the victim having to attend court and give evidence.

"No young girl should be subjected to such an ordeal, especially in her own home."

Superintendent Adrian Roberts, temporary Borough Commander for Croydon, said after the sentencing: "The public should be reassured that police treat sex offences as a top priority and offenders are being brought to justice.