David Niblett, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a girl under 13 at Portsmouth Crown Court after being extradited from Spain
Matt Jackson Live News Network Reporter
19:36, 14 Aug 2026
David Niblett has been jailed for 15 years(Image: Sussex Police)
A man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after raping a child under 13 and absconding to Spain for a decade. Authorities say David Niblett, 42, committed the offences against the girl between January 2014 and December 2015.
The abuse came to light when the victim, believed to have been aged between six and eight at the time, disclosed what had happened to a family member who then alerted Sussex Police. However, Niblett is understood to have learned that an allegation had been reported to officers and subsequently fled to Spain in December 2015.
Following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, he was apprehended on December 30, 2015. A collaborative effort between Interpol, the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities led to his extradition back to the United Kingdom.
Niblett, of Uxbridge Road, Uxbridge, appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on June 15 where he admitted two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13. He has now received a 15-year prison sentence with an additional year on licence.
An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order will also be imposed upon him. Specially trained officers are providing support to the girl’s family, police confirmed, reports the Daily Record.
DC Jacob Parkin from the Public Protection Team in West Sussex said: “Niblett carried out heinous crimes that breached the trust of his victim.
“She showed tremendous bravery and courage throughout the investigation.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report their experience to police.
“We were determined to get justice for the victim and ensure Niblett was held accountable for his actions.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.