A man who indecently assaulted a teenage girl more than 20 years ago has been jailed .

Darren Hutchinson carried out the offences over a nine-month period when the victim was 14-years-old.

As well as buying her gifts, Hutchinson would also ring and text the victim to say that he “loved” her.

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It was in early 2019 that the victim bravely reported the abuse to officers, explaining that it had had a huge effect on her mental health in the years since.

Northumbria Police then launched an investigation and Hutchinson was interviewed.

The now 52-year-old offered no comment in interview and was subsequently charged with indecent assault and gross indecency, both on a girl under 16.

Had the offences taken place after changes to the Sexual Offences Act in 2003, Hutchinson would have been charged with rape.

He pleaded guilty to both offences in a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

At the same court on Thursday, February 23, Hutchinson, of Backworth Park, North Tyneside, was sentenced to 45 months in prison.

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He was also made subject to a restraining order to stay away from the victim for 10 years and made subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.

He will also remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

Following Hutchinson’s conviction, Detective Constable Alexandra Corner, of Northumbria Police, said: "The victim in this case found the courage to come forward to police and tell us what had happened. That is an incredibly brave thing to do.

"We hope that Hutchinson’s conviction now helps her to move on with her life, but she should be applauded for helping to put a predatory paedophile behind bars.

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"This case shows that men like Darren Hutchinson can be convicted even years after the abuse has taken place.

"As time went by, he must have believed he had gotten away with his abuse but now he is behind bars where he belongs.

"Hopefully other victims of historical sex offences, who are yet to contact police, can look at this case and see that they will be listened to and we will take their case seriously."