As previously reported in the Echo, Romanian national Cristian Tataru committed the offence at Hoglands Park in 2022 after paying the 15-year-old girl’s boyfriend £20.
The defendant later left the country and was arrested in Dover when he returned to the UK in 2025.
Tataru, 41, of Brintons Road, Southampton, had previously pleaded guilty to paying for the sexual services of a child, but denied a separate allegation of rape.
The CPS then dropped the rape allegation and Tataru was sentenced for his guilty plea to the lesser offence.
Asked by the Echo why the more serious offence was not continued, a spokesperson for the CPS said: “Following a review of the evidence, advice from counsel and consultation with the victim, our lawyers concluded that his plea more appropriately reflected the crime committed.
“This resulted in one charge of rape being left to lie on file – a decision which was accepted by the judge.
“CPS prosecutors must keep every case under review, so that they take account of any change in circumstances that occurs as the case develops.
“If appropriate, the CPS may change the charges or stop a case.”
Tataru received a sentence of three years and four months.
He was also handed a five-year restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Once he has served his sentence, he is likely to be deported, the court heard.