A BRISTOL man has been jailed for 12 years after a jury found him guilty of subjecting a child to years of sexual abuse.

Matthew Mills’ offending began when he was a juvenile, but he continued to inflict sexual abuse on his victim into his adult years.

A seven-day trial began on Monday, April 25 after Mills denied committing several sexual offences, but the jury this week found the 36-year-old guilty of all eight counts:

• Two counts of gross indecency with a child

• Two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child

• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

• Attempted rape of a child

• Assault by penetration

Mills, of Briscoes Avenue, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on May, 5 to 12 years’ imprisonment with an extra two additional years to be served on licence. He was also been given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and indefinite notification requirement.

Mills’ offences were described as utterly vile and reflected grooming behaviour, by Judge Peter Blair.

Judge Blair, in sentencing, said: “I bear in mind that you (Mills) were immature and a young man at the time of these offences. This lasted a period of time when you knew what you were doing was wrong.”

DC Lucy Bryant, the officer part of Avon and Somerset Police’s child protection team, said: “The courage of the victim has been incredible throughout the police investigation and trial. A dangerous offender is now behind bars because of her bravery in reporting it to police and supporting this prosecution.

“For years Matthew Mills pretended to be someone he wasn’t. But the truth is now known to everyone and he has shown no remorse for what he put his victim through.

“She herself has said that she is thankful to the police and prosecution team. She has lived with this crippling trauma all her life and feels like she has finally escaped the prison he has put her in; now it is finally his turn.

If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it was committed, please call us on 101. If you don’t want to speak to the police you can contact another agency or charity.