A sex attacker is finally paying for a series of offences committed more than two decades ago, after his victim gained the courage to report his abuse.

Scott Sly raped and sexually assaulted the school-aged girl a number of times while living in the Sunderland area more than 20 years ago, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

Years after the crimes took place, the brave survivor came forward and reported the abuse to the police.

The now 32-year-old defendant denied the allegations when interviewed but was charged in January, last year.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

Sly, of Dent Street, Hartlepool, maintained his denials when he appeared before the court for trial in March this year.

But he was found guilty by the jury of all ten offences, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.

He was back before the court on Friday for sentence and received a ten-year term of imprisonment.

Sly will also be subject to notification as a sex offender for the rest of his life, while his victim will be protected by an indefinite restraining order, which prohibits the defendant from contacting or approaching her.

Speaking about the abuse, the survivor said: “It is hard to put into words exactly what effect this abuse has had on me, but I will try.

“This has impacted my life every day since the abuse.

“He has stolen my innocence.

“All I can do is think about the abuse.

“I do not have any happy days I think about, like most children.

“As a result of this, it has changed my attitude towards relationships with others and I struggle to build new relationships all because of him.”

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Detective Constable Nicholas Moses, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, headed the investigation.

He said: “I would like to express my complete respect to the survivor in this case who very bravely came forward to disclose the abuse she suffered at the hands of Sly.

"It’s not an easy thing to come forward and have to re-live the worst moments of your life but, thanks to her courage, Sly is now behind bars.

“I truly hope this sentence gives her some sense of justice and comfort if that is at all possible.”

Det Con Moses added: “I also hope that this shows others who have suffered non-recent abuse that it’s never too late for justice.

“You will be listened to, and supported, and we will do everything we can to ensure your abuser is put before a court.

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“You’re not alone and you don’t deserve to suffer in silence while your abuser gets to go about their day-to-day life answering to no one.

"We are always here to begin the process if you’ll let us.”

Anyone who has experienced of any sexual abuse should contact police using the ‘Report’ pages on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101.