A MAN kept a homeless teenage girl captive in his home for three years, raping her and torturing her with methods including dipping her head in cooking oil.

The Northern Ireland man, who remains anonymous, was sentenced to just 12 years in jail - sparking outrage among sexual abuse survivors, reports The Belfast Telegraph.

The 44-year old man was found guilty of “a depraved and humiliating period of sexual and physical abuse” on the homeless teenager. The man remains anonymous after a judge mistakenly ordered he not be identified to protect the victim.

The abuse began when the girl was 15 and went on for three years until she managed to escape in 2009.

During that time, her attacker violently assaulted her, including dipping her head in cooking oil before raping her.

He also stubbed cigarettes out on her, tore her earrings out and threw her outside while she was naked, according to the 19 charges brought against him.

Helen Bracken of Nexus Family Support Service has criticised the 12-year sentence handed down on the attacker by Judge Philip Babington as too lenient, and is pushing for a review.

“I understand the judge imposed a number of conditions along with the 12-year jail term, but I feel there are grounds for a tougher sentence,” Ms Bracken told the Belfast Telgraph, calling the details of the case stomach-churning.

“Sometimes those two words “sexual abuse” do not always cover the reality and nature of what a victim goes through. This girl will need long-term intensive counseling and I do hope she comes to use as soon as possible.”

