A Crawley man has been jailed for nine years after being found guilty of indecently assaulting and attempting to rape a young girl.
Ian Alan Ward, 49, of Tangmere Road, Ifield, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on April 24, after a two-week trial.
He will be required to register as a sex offender for life on his release from prison.
Ward was sentenced over eight indecent assaults and the attempted rape of a girl when aged under 16, and one indecent assault on a girl when aged under 14.
In sentencing Ward, Her Hon Judge Downing commended the victim for her courage in coming forward and for her composure when giving evidence.
Detective Constable Lindsay Russell said the investigation began when the victim, by then an adult, contacted police.
DC Russell added: “She bravely gave evidence at court and we were glad to be able to help her see justice done.
“This case illustrates the way in which we will always take such reports seriously, working with victims to help ensure they receive appropriate support and that cases are brought to trial where the evidence justifies it and in the public interest.”