Mold Crown Court heard that Du Rose, 31, put a rope around the little girl's neck as she walked home after playing with friends.

He then bundled her into the boot of his car and drove off.

Sentencing him to life in prison - with a recommendation that he serve at least 10 years, Mr Justice Sachs told Du Rose: "It was a horrendous experience for that young girl and her family. In my view you are highly dangerous."

At last week's court hearing the judge heard how Du Rose, of Verdin Street, Rudheath, had tried to entice girls into his car before and had been warned by police.

But he later hatched an evil plan to use force with a rope.

ON September 4 he went cruising in Rudheath to find a victim.

He approached the little girl in Stanley Road and asked if she wanted to see a mouse that he had in the boot of his car, parked on waste land by James Street.

But as she moved away he grabbed her, put a rope around her neck and pulled it tight.

The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons was then dragged to his car, bundled into the boot and driven away.

Two miles on Du Rose stopped in a country lane, released her and told her where the nearest house was.

Prosecuting Merfyn Hughes said that just after 7.30pm, Diane Naylor, of Cookes Lane, Rudheath, heard a girl screaming hysterically and knocking on the door.

The traumatised youngster had blood on her hands, face and clothing and said: "Help me, a man has had a rope round my neck."

The rope had caught her on the mouth causing a jaw wound which was down to the bone and needed 15 stitches. Mr Hughes said a report by pathologist Naomi Carter said one part of the rope had been round her neck.

It was clear that pressure had been applied for 15 seconds and, had it continued for much longer, it would have caused death.

The girl had been unconscious for a while but remembered the time she had become aware of her surroundings and seen two chinks of light coming through the boot. Mr Hughes said: "This has traumatised the girl and her family. She has had nightmares and is frightened to go outside without one of her parents.

"She had been happy, vivacious and trusting but had always received careful warnings from her parents.

"They had lived in the area for 13 years and, because they could not imagine an area they knew harbouring a person who posed such a threat to young girls, they allowed her to play with her friends as long as she was back before dark."

Defending Gordon Cole said Du Rose was full of remorse.

He had no explanation, insisting there was no sexual motive. It had been a strong impulse. While it was not an excuse Du Rose had served his country in the Gulf War and returned home a different man.

"It may be there are some foundations for his behaviour to be found in the traumatic events that occurred to him while in the army," said Mr Cole.

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