Paedophile jailed after sexually abusing young girl for years.

Paedophile Jailed for Abusing Young Girl in Wakefield

Ronald Clayton, 71, of Barnsley Road in Flockton, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for abusing a young girl between 2010 and 2012.

The victim bravely came forward and reported the abuse to police in 2017. An investigation by Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit was launched, and Clayton was subsequently charged with assault by penetration in August 2020.

Clayton denied the offenses but was found guilty following a trial at Leeds Crown Court earlier this week. He was also given a further year on licence and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Det Cons Gilly Hodds, who led the investigation for West Yorkshire Police, praised the victim's strength and courage in coming forward.

"The victim has shown much strength and courage throughout the investigation and I would like to thank her for coming forward and reporting Clayton's offences to our officers," said Hodds. "I hope the sentence he has received will give her some closure and allow her to move forwards with her life."

Hodds also urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their experiences to the police. "I also hope it will encourage other victims to come forward and report offences to our safeguarding teams, who work closely with partners to provide support for victims and investigate all reports thoroughly," she added.