A PENSIONER from South Gloucestershire has been jailed for indecently assaulting a young girl in the 1980s.

Adrian Charles Smith, from Warmley, was jailed sentenced to four years in prison at Bristol Crown Court after previously being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault following a trial.

Smith, now 74, abused the girl, who was seven years old at the time of the offences, in the mid-1980s.

Investigating officer Det Con Louise Macpherson said: “Adrian Smith was predatory in his offending and took advantage of time he spent alone with the victim.

“He refused to accept responsibility for his actions and the harm he caused this victim and she was forced to relive her horrific experiences in court.

“We’ll always investigate sexual offences no matter how long ago they were committed and as this case proves, we’re able to achieve justice for victims of non-recent offences."

She added: “I’d like to thank the victim for her bravery and for supporting the investigation from the start and while she’ll never get over her ordeal, I hope this conviction will help her move forward with her life.”

If you don’t want to report a rape or sexual assault to the police, you can call The Bridge - a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7, 365 days a year, on 0117 342 6999 The Bridge provides medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault. You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later.