A Hove court has jailed a Peacehaven man for 18 years for raping and sexual assaulting a young girl.
Stephen Keen, 53, of Collingwood Close, Peacehaven, abused the girl from 2004 until 2011.
He was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by a jury at Hove Crown Court.
His victim was under 13 when the abuse took place. She is now in her teens.
He was convicted last Thursday (27 March) and jailed the same day.
Detective Constable Katherine Upton, of Sussex Police, said: “This was a very distressing case.
“The victim while helpless endured years of abuse from Keen and it was only in 2012 that she felt able to tell other people.
“We immediately investigated and, working with the local authority children’s services, uncovered what had happened to her.
“The experience is likely to affect her for the rest of her life.
“Keen pleaded not guilty throughout and the courage of the victim in giving evidence, with the support of special measures to help her in court, including the use of her principal evidence by video recording, was key in securing his conviction.
“We encourage victims of such experiences to come to us in confidence and admire their increasing readiness to do so.
“Their reports are treated sensitively and professionally and we can help them get access to further support and counselling.”
