Totton: Denis Kadena jailed for rape of schoolgirl in his van

"Predatory" Denis Kadena kept a straight face as he was handed an 11-year prison sentence with four-year extended licence.

Sentencing, Judge Christopher Parker KC described his actions as ‘opportunistic’ with a ‘predatory element.’

READ MORE: Man searched ‘Southampton kids’ crime’ after allegedly raping teen, court told

He said: “The child was vulnerable and isolated.

“There is severe psychological damage you have caused this child.

“Whilst there’s a hope that she may recover, she is plainly gravely damaged by your behaviour and sexual assault.

“Your behaviour was opportunistic and there was a predatory element to what you did.

“You pose a significant risk of serious harm to young girls at present, in my judgement.”

Kadena was found guilty of two counts of rape and one sexual assault after a five-day trial at Southampton Crown Court in March.

The court heard how Kadena, 34, drove the victim to a secluded area in Totton last September.

Prosecutor Simon Jones previously told jurors how he attacked her in his van, all while she was meant to be at school.

In a victim statement read out in court by prosecutor James Kellam, the victim said: “He took something special from me.

“I am slowly starting to build myself back up. Now I am hoping I can put this behind me and try to get better.”

The van driven by Denis Kadena (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Kadena, of Yorke Street, Southsea, will serve a minimum of seven years and four months in prison.

The trial was told how Kadena - who denied the charges - had searched "Southampton kids’ crime" on his iPhone in the evening of the day of the rape.

Mr Jones previously told jurors: "He was a stranger to her. She was wearing, and there's no dispute, her school uniform". 

The trial heard Kadena drove the girl to a country lane and started touching the girl and stroking her thigh.

He then drove the van around the corner and asked the girl to help him with something before raping the teenager. 

After the incident, she went back to school where she told friends that she'd just been raped. 

The girl later said Kadena - who "lied and lied and lied" to police - had winked at her before stopping and offering her a lift. 

She told police "It just felt wrong".

Denis Kadena (Image: Hampshire police)

Mitigating during the sentencing hearing, Kadena's barrister Sham Uddin said: “There was no evidence of violent threat, and there was no hostility to the victim.

“He was a man of good character and feels remorseful.

“Mr Kadena said to me he takes full responsibility and doesn’t blame the victim.”