A 69-year-old man from Chester has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in the 1970s.

Stuart McDowell, from Stuart Place, Chester, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 30 September to be sentenced.

He was found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency, attempting to have sexual intercourse, rape of a female and unlawful sexual intercourse.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison extended for one year. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

DS Craig Walker said: "The length of sentence reflects how devastating his depraved behaviour has been on this survivor.

"This was a prolonged series of abuse which has had such a profound effect on her that she has struggled through life with challenges no one should have to go through.

"Despite the difficulties, she carried on even when she sometimes felt she couldn't anymore. She is a true hero, and her sheer strength should not be underestimated.

"When she felt able to, she bravely came to us and told her story. She got vital support, as well as the vindication she needed that his behaviour was wrong and should never happen to any vulnerable child.

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"McDowell is now finally paying for his heinous actions against an innocent child.

"I hope others who have suffered, no matter how long ago, feel some hope in this conviction, and when the time is right, feel that they too can come forward to police and get the support that they need and the justice they deserve."