A 28-year-old man has been jailed for seven years and six months for multiple sex offences involving a child in West Sussex.

Aiden Freeman, of White Star Close, Godalming, Surrey, pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual offences on a girl under 13 which occurred between October 2012 and February 2016.

In interview, he claimed the victim – now a woman in her 20s – was making up her accusations for attention.

The victim, who was supported by specially trained officers, was just nine years old when the offending started.

On Monday, 30 March, at Lewes Crown Court, Freeman was convicted of two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, and three counts of rape of a girl under 13.

At the same court on Thursday, 4 June, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison

Detective Constable Sarah MacKnamara said: “This was a serious and prolonged pattern of sexual offending over many years.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting this matter to police, supporting the prosecution and helping to bring her abuser to justice.

“I understand how challenging investigations such as these are for victims, but thanks to her Aiden Freeman is now rightly behind bars where he poses no further risk to the public.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or believe someone else may be, please report it to us. We will listen to you, we will support you and we will do all we can to get you justice.”