A man surnamed Liu from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, was sentenced to death for raping a 4-year-old girl by the Harbin Intermediate People's Court on Wednesday, according to a statement released on the court's social media account.

"Liu had a conviction record of intentional homicide and rape in the past," the court said. "His criminal intent was despicable, and his behavior severely damaged society."

On Aug 30, Liu was detained on suspicion of child sexual assault after he brought a 4-year-old girl home after she was reported missing by family members.

According to the girl's mother, the child had been taken by Liu, who lives in the same neighborhood, on Aug 29. About 12 hours after the girl disappeared, Liu brought her to her own home, the family said. Liu told police that he met the girl on a nearby bridge.

Family members said she had been injured and there was blood on her pants. "She kept shivering and her eyes were glazed," the girl's mother said. "She dared not speak."

A medical examination showed that the girl had been sexually assaulted, and her body had multiple bruises, including three serious injuries. She also had high fever because of a bacterial infection.

Liu raped the girl after taking her to a construction site on the evening of Aug 29, the court said.

After about two months of treatment at a local hospital, the girl was discharged in late October, according to a staff member from the publicity office of the hospital.

"The amended Law on Protection of Minors released recently has further strengthened regulations protecting children," said Wang Guijin, a lawyer with Heilongjiang Weihong Law Office. "The sentence reflects the determination of the nation to strengthen and improve the prevention of sexual assaults against minors."

"Furthermore, it should arouse the joint efforts of the whole society," he said. "Parents, teachers, community workers and experts can provide more information and knowledge to improve the children's awareness of self-protection."