A former army cadet leader has admitted to a string of serious sexual offences, including the rape of a school-aged girl.
David Thorne, 22, pleaded guilty at Lincoln Crown Court to eight offences in total — five counts of rape of a child under the age of 13, and three counts of assault by penetration involving the same victim.
The court heard that Thorne had regular contact with the girl in December 2023, travelling from his home in Lincoln to collect her from the Grantham area on multiple occasions. On one visit, he reportedly arrived wearing his army cadet uniform.
Thorne admitted that sexual activity had taken place but claimed he believed the victim was 17.
This claim which was dismissed by the judge and victim, who said Thorne was aware of her real age, and that he was the one who had claimed to be 17.
He will be sentenced on Friday 13 June.
(Image: Geograph / Richard Croft)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.