A man who raped a 15-year-old girl, leaving her with long term mental health issues, has been sentenced for his wicked crimes.

Andrew Orrell, 59, had pleaded not guilty to rape but was found guilty by a jury of the historic sex offence.

Preston Crown Court heard he raped the teenager in the summer of 2005, when he was then 41.

Orrell, who still maintains his innocence, raped the girl at his flat after he stopped his car to buy alcohol at a nearby shop, just weeks before her 16th birthday.

The victim said she was asleep in a bed when Orrell, who had said he would sleep on the sofa, got into bed with her and raped her.

After the incident, the victim moved from the area and never heard from Orrell again, until a year later when he sent her a message via Facebook which read, "You're hot".

Prosecutor Sharon Johnson told the court the victim did not report the rape until she went to therapy in 2020.

She said: "The victim felt it lasted forever, but it was only 15 minutes.

"She pretended to be asleep whilst he was on top of her, and when she woke up she had a shower, but still felt dirty and horrible."

An impact statement from the victim said: "Since this incident, I have felt my life has been frozen and stopped me from maturing.

"I have moved away from the North and I still struggle around older men and relationships.

"I have anxiety and depression. He took me at the most vulnerable time of my life and I struggle with showers even now."

Mitigating, Cathy McCluck told the court Orrell had no intention of contacting or visiting the victim ever again.

Orrell, who has refused to admit his crimes even after conviction, also claimed the victim accused him of rape in order to receive money.

Ms McCluck said: "This is an extremely difficult case for a defence to come into. The defendant still believes she consented."

Sentencing Orrell, of Bacup, Judge Heather Lloyd said: "During the trial you and your counsel were keen to emphasise your plea of innocence. 

"You caused much distress. You claim you have mental health problems but I am yet to see evidence of it. 

"You are not at risk of re-offending, but you have delayed justice with your not guilty plea."

Orrell received a nine year sentence for rape, and four months for breaking bail.

He will not be able to apply for bail until he has spent six years in prison.