Justice has finally caught up with a pervert who preyed on a young girl and sexually abused her around 40 years ago.

Jonathan Connelly continues to deny the abuse despite being convicted following a trial where he made the victim give evidence to the jury.

The 72-year-old’s appalling behaviour came to light when he contacted the victim to tell her not to speak to the police about any allegations of sexual abuse.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the victim had lived with the trauma of the abuse for four decades before the sick pensioner was jailed.

Ian Mullarkey, prosecuting, said the defendant had told the victim not to tell anyone at the time of the abuse as he would get into trouble.

The lawyer said the abuse happened on a regular basis and had never told anyone about it while the defendant was living in the Billingham area.

He said: “He (the defendant) said ‘don’t tell anybody or he will get put away’ – he frightened me.”

The court heard how the abuse took place in the Billingham area more than three decades ago.

In a victim personal statement, the victim said she had ‘buried’ the memories of the abuse but when she was asked to lie for the defendant, she decided it was time to speak up.

Connelly, of Jubilee Cottages, Houghton-le-Spring, was convicted of indecent assault on a child and indecency with a child.

Christine Egerton, mitigating, said her client was willing to undertake any courses made available to him in custody.

She said: “He has been fully cooperating while in custody and is already an enhanced prisoner.”

Judge Richard Bennett sentenced the pensioner to a total of seven years.

“You have no insight into your offending and suggest that the victim has conspired to lie about you in order to achieve some sort of financial gain – that is despicable.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here 

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access to the latest offer for annual or monthly subscription. Click here for details.

“You express no remorse whatsoever," he said.

"You are dishonest, you are deviant and you are predatory. There is an air of entitlement about you."

Connelly was made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to protect the victim.

He was also ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.