A SICK Hoyland paedophile who raped a school girl before leaving her alone in a field has been jailed for almost a decade.

Paul Blackshaw, 43, of Oak Close, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict at Sheffield Crown Court last month.

The jury heard how on September 18, 2021, Blackshaw followed the young girl on Wentworth Road in Hoyland as she walked home alone from an evening out with friends.

He then raped the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, in a nearby field before leaving her there alone.

A police investigation was immediately launched and following extensive work by the Barnsley CID team, Blackshaw was identified, arrested and interviewed.

During Blackshaw’s interview process, he denied raping the girl and had no reasonable rationale for how his DNA had got onto the girl’s clothing.

He was charged with rape of a female under 16, and remanded into custody.

He appeared at Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing last Friday and was jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

He was sentenced for rape as well as dangerous driving and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

He was also disqualified from driving.

DC Courtney Moorby said: “The bravery and testimony of this young victim is to be applauded and my thoughts remain with her as she attempts to rebuild her life following his incident.

“I am pleased the jury found Blackshaw guilty of his actions.

“I hope this sends a clear message that those who prey on the vulnerabilities of others are shameful and their behaviour will not be tolerated.”