A 51-year-old has been jailed for over 20 years at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of multiple child sex offences, including the rape of a vulnerable young girl on nine separate occasions over several years. The conviction is significant as it demonstrates the effectiveness of investigation and prosecution in serious abuse cases, whilst highlighting the impact on victims who have shown exceptional courage in coming forward.

The offender was sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison on 9 September after a jury unanimously found them guilty of 19 separate non-recent offences and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The victim disclosed the abuse after the offender's arrest for inappropriate communication with another child, following which specialist support services were provided and a thorough investigation conducted. The offender will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and investigating officers commended the victim's bravery in supporting the prosecution, which they stated was instrumental in securing the conviction and preventing further harm.