A MAN who raped a teenage girl with learning difficulties after she ran away from home has been jailed.

Darren Rothwell, 31, who uses the alias of Darren Noonan, was convicted of rape, sexual activity with a child and child abduction following a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

He was jailed for nine years.

Rothwell, of Manchester Road, Audenshaw, raped his victim at his home in August last year. The court heard he took advantage of her vulnerability.

Rothwell picked her up in his car and drove her to his home where he raped her.

The case was investigated by the Manchester-based Protect Team, which is made up of police, social service workers and a charity.

The group investigates and prosecute people intent on sexually exploiting children.

Det Con Dave Fox said: "This was a shocking case. Rothwell, as a much older man, took advantage of this girl's age and stopped her from being able to call for help, manipulating her into staying at his home. He kept the young girl as his virtual prisoner and then raped her, inflicting untold physical and emotional damage.

"This case highlights that people like Rothwell do not go unpunished and we will continue to pursue these criminals. If you commit offences against children, we will be coming for you."