A MAN from South Gloucestershire who sexually abused a young girl more than 20 years ago has been jailed.
Ricky Morgan, aged 61, admitted to repeatedly sexually assaulting the girl while she slept, over several years in the early 2000s in Bristol.
The abuse was reported to police two decades later, leading to an investigation and charges against Morgan.
Morgan, of New Cheltenham Road, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault at Bristol Magistrates' Court in March.
In a statement read out at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, August 12, the victim, now in her 30s, spoke about the impact of the abuse on her life.
She said: "The abuse I suffered as a child has had a lasting impact on my life.
"One of the biggest impacts, which I feel is the most significant, is that my childhood was completely swept out from under me.
"I did not have a normal childhood like others, I didn't get to enjoy my life; be innocent and carefree.
"Instead, I felt I had to grow up before my time."
He was also given an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and made subject to notification requirements under the sex offenders' register.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Carl Spicer said: "I wish to commend the bravery and strength of the victim to report these crimes.
"Her resilience and patience throughout the police investigation and court proceedings have been exemplary.
"Morgan - more than 20 years later - has been punished for his offending.
“I wish to reassure victims that the police will always seek to thoroughly investigate any abuse they have suffered and bring offenders to justice, regardless of when they occurred.
“You will be believed.
"Morgan was calculated in his offending and systematically sexually abused a young child over a significant period of time without a single care for her wellbeing.
"His offending has had a serious and lasting impact on the victim, who we will continue to support."
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