A man who claimed DNA evidence linking him to the rape of a teenage girl in Peterborough was witchcraft has been jailed.

Demba Embalo, 21, attacked the teenager at his Peterborough home in 2019.

Despite the girl repeatedly telling him no, he raped her in his bedroom.

Later that year the girl disclosed what had happened and Embalo was arrested on November 5.

His DNA was taken and linked him beyond doubt to the crime.

However, Embalo pleaded not guilty and claimed the evidence which linked him to the offence was witchcraft.

During his trial at Huntingdon Law Court, Embalo changed his plea to guilty on October 18, 2021.

He was sentenced on January 27, at the same court, to three years and eight months in prison, and handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Sarah Seston, who investigated, said: “I would like to commend the survivor in this case for supporting the investigation. The judge commented on her maturity and how impressed he was with how she handled it, comments I echo wholeheartedly.

“Embalo was a predator who saw an opportunity in a vulnerable girl. I am pleased he will no longer be a threat.”