A CHILD rapist who embarked on a depraved campaign of vile sex abuse has been jailed.

Paedophile Charles Gallazzi-Ralph appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced after admitting six counts of rape and sexual offences as well as one assault.

Outlining the case prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson said the 61-year-old of Brake Hill, Oxford, abused the girl over a number of years before going on to rape her repeatedly.

He carried out a number of sex acts on her and also embarked on 'grooming' behaviour, offering her gifts in return for sex.

The court heard that the campaign of abuse was only uncovered after he was violent towards her by slapping and punching her, and it was then that she contacted police and raised the alarm.

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Gallazzi-Ralph later went on to admit the offences before his sentencing yesterday.

In mitigation defence barrister Martin Lewis said that his client was remorseful and 'could not believe' he had abused the child.

He said: "He fully accepts that what he did was utterly wrong.

"The defendant cannot believe that he behaved in this way and to that extent.

"He finds it very hard to accept that he now finds himself in this position."

Presiding Judge Ian Pringle QC called the offending 'grotesque' which involved 'persistent grooming'.

Gallazzi-Ralph was jailed for a total of eight years and eight months for the offences and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life.

He must also pay a victim surcharge.