A man from Crawley is starting a prison sentence for a series of sexual offences against a girl aged between 10 and 14.
Adam Arnold, 32, unemployed, of Webb Close, Crawley, was sentenced to 15 years in jail when he appeared by videolink at Hove Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).
He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to four counts of rape and eight counts of other serious sexual assaults, all 11 covering multiple occasions.
He will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last until further court order, severely restricting his access to women and children.
Detective Constable Ellen Jones of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said:
"Arnold came to know his victim, and five years ago began this horrific and systematic abuse which she suffered, unbeknown to anyone else, until she felt able to confide in someone she knew last year, and we were promptly informed.
"We took immediate action and Arnold was arrested.
"This young girl had endured the trauma and distress of what happened to her, in secret, and we admire all the more her courage and resolution in now supporting both our investigation and the prosecution.
"If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone else who is, no matter how recent or long ago, contact us at any time in confidence, and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators. We have specialist officers who can also help you access to a range of independent advice and support."
For further information on how to report sexual abuse and support available see the Sussex Police website.
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