Ronald Didd 64

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A PAEDOPHILE rapist has been jailed for almost a decade for sexual offences against a young girl.

Ronald Didd, of Potters Mead, Littlehampton, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, March 11, having previously admitted one count of rape and three counts of other sexual activity against the teenager.

He will serve a custodial term of seven and a half years, plus a two and a half year term on extended licence.

The 62-year-old will be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) severely restricting his access to female children.

He was also handed a Restraining Order prohibiting him from contact with the victim or her family.

Both of those Orders will take effect for ten years on his release from prison.

Didd had previously lived in North East Kent and in the Battersea and Croydon areas of South London before moving to Littlehampton.

Detective constable Jason Berney of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: "Didd met the victims vulnerable family and over a period of time two years ago he manipulated them in order to allow him unrestricted access to a child and commit the offences while she was staying in his home.

"He caused great harm and fear to the victim, who was very brave to provide her evidence to police and support the investigation.

"Following our investigation Didd was left with little option but to enter guilty pleas to the charges.

"The victim in this case really needs to be commended for her bravery, as this was extremely traumatic. He manipulated her family and left her isolated and vulnerable and yet she still had the courage to speak out against him."

Friday, March 18, is National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, when Sussex Police pledge to continue to protect those most at risk and prevent harm by questioning behaviours, looking again and convicting perpetrators.

The force has urged residents to contact them if they are worried about a neighbour, friend or family member.