23.10.25 Man from Leiston jailed for rape

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for 20 years after being convicted of the rape of a child.

Mantas Gineitis, from Leiston, had initially denied the charges against him, before pleading guilty to five charges of rape of a girl and making threats to kill at an earlier hearing.

He appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday 21 October where he was sentenced to 20 years in jail. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The crimes relate to one victim and took place over a period of approximately 18 months.

In her Victim Personal Statement, read out in court, the girl said: “The harm that has been inflicted on me cannot be undone but I hope that by sharing my experience full justice will be served. I deserve to move forward with a sense of closure and reassurance that steps will be taken to prevent this from happening to someone else.”

Temporary Detective Sergeant Jessie Langham-Fitt, who was the supervising officer of the case, said: “This was an appalling and deeply distressing case. The profound impact it has had on the young victim cannot and should not be understated.

“She has shown immense courage in supporting the investigation to ensure Gineitis faces justice for his despicable offences.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some measure of closure to her and reassurance to others that we will do everything we can to bring sexual offenders to justice. We are committed to protecting all victims of abuse.

“I would also like to thank OIC DC Mark Ryczanowski and the rest of my team for their hard work in safeguarding the victim, collating evidence and securing charges against Gineitis, in what was a highly emotive investigation."

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or sexual violence, please report it to police via the online reporting tool at: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Further information, support and advice can be found here:

The Ferns – Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre – The Ferns – Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Survivors in Transition - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation - Survivors in Transition | Sexual Violence Support Charity

Brave Futures - Here To Help | Brave Futures - a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.