A MOTHER told how her daughter “was not the same girl" after she was raped at a sleepover by a 13-year-old boy.

She made the comments at a sentencing hearing for the boy, now 14, who raped her 14-year-old daughter at his home.

The boy, who can not be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to a two-year youth rehabilitation order at Brighton Youth Court today.

The rape happened at the boy's home in Brighton in June 2016.

In a victim impact statement read out in court the mother of the girl said: "My daughter has not been the same girl since the rape.

"She use to be confident, but she is not that person any more.

"She disappeared before our eyes and doesn't trust people any more.

"I am very worried she will not make the rest of her life the best life.

"We had to move and leave everything behind, and things were going around the school.

"It was awful having to see her give evidence and watching a little lost child walking into court."

At the trial in November District Judge Tessa Szagun found the boy guilty of rape and described the girl's evidence as "compelling, heartfelt and true".

The court heard the boy forced himself on the 14-year-old girl in his bedroom at his home.

The girl was watching a film in bed with the boy, before he pinned her down in an attack that lasted for a matter of seconds.

The judge dismissed the defence's case, which claimed the girl fabricated the incident in revenge for the boy rejecting an attempt by her to kiss.

In mitigation, defending Sarah Tate, said the case was sad for both the victim and defendant.

She said: "I am not making excuses for him, it never should have happened. But it was not something planned and emotions took over a boy in crisis at the time.

"It is a sad case where there are no winners. Two damaged children continue to be damaged."

She added the boy had since faced "draconian measures" at his school.

The court heard the boy still denies the rape took place and his family plan to appeal the conviction.

Sentencing judge Szagun said: "I am mindful nothing I do today will ease the profound trauma on the victim.

"But she will in time I hope draw strength from the outcome of the process with the right level of support.”

She said the boys childhood experiences was not an excuse for his behaviour, but that they helped her understand the "negative influences affecting his behaviour" in the lead up to the incident.

The boy was sentenced to two years youth rehabilitation order requiring the supervision of the Youth offending team and education requirement.

 He will also have to do 90 hours of community work.