Manhunt for suspect as 11-year-old left pregnant

POLICE are searching for an Ecuadorian man suspected of raping an 11-year-old girl in Orihuela, leaving her pregnant. A 39-year-old Ecuadorian man was arrested in April in connection with her rape, but was released without charges after testifying in court. He was boyfriend of the victim’s mother, while the suspect who fled was a neighbour and family friend.

Initially suspicion fell on the father, but he was cleared given he was in prison for violating a restraining order from his wife at the time the girl became pregnant.

As the rape was reported in April, six months after it occurred, which meant that it was too late to legally have an abortion.

A judge can authorize the termination of a pregnancy if carrying to full term would endanger the life of the mother.

Doctors examined the victim and confirmed that although her body is not fully mature there is no danger to her life.

The girl, who is now a ward of the Valencian Regional Government, turned 12 last week.

By Nicole Hallett