A MAN has been jailed for 21 years for the rape and indecent assault of a child.

Brian Willoughby, 51, of North Dean Road, Keighley, was found guilty of five offences including rape and several indecent assaults of one female victim.

The offences, which detectives have described as “horrendous”, took place more than a decade ago when she was a secondary school aged child.

In 2005, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused as a child.

Then, during 2014, she came forward to speak to the police and report the offences, as she felt ready to do so.

Willoughby was subsequently arrested by police.

He was then charged with multiple offences.

On Thursday, he was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to 21 years in prison and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

After the case, Detective Constable Donna Hector, of Bradford Safeguarding Unit, paid homage to the bravery of the victim.

Det Con Hector also encouraged others who have suffered abuse from anyone to come forward.

Det Con Hector said: “The sentence handed down to Willoughby reflects the horrendous crimes and trauma he inflicted on his victim.

“I would like to praise the incredible courage and bravery of the victim.

“She is truly remarkable and has not only endured abuse, but was forced to endure a gruelling court case where she had to give evidence and relive her trauma.

“We have supported her throughout the process and I truly hope she is now able to get some closure from these incidents and move forward.”

In a wider message, Det Con Hector added: “I would encourage anyone who has suffered any sort of abuse to come forward and speak to the police.

“You will be listened to and be given the help and support you need. We have specially trained officers who will work tirelessly to bring any perpetrators to justice.”