A paedophile has been found guilty of raping a child more than 30 years ago.

Bruce Ernest Geoffery Schooley, 62, from Lancing, stood trial at Lewes Crown Court charged with five counts of raping a child between five and 12-years-old and five counts of indecent assault on a child between five and 12-years-old during the 1970s. The victim is known to him and occurred at his then home address in Whitehawk.

He was found guilty of all ten the offences and was sentenced to 21 years in prison on yesterday. He will be on the sex offenders register for life and has been given a sexual offences prevention order.

Detective constable Andrew Beaumont said: "The victim came forward to report these offences last year, more than 30 years after they happened and we worked with her to secure the conviction of Schooley. The victim, who is now an adult, was extremely brave in coming forward and we were able to offer her support throughout the investigation and during the trial.

"We would assure any victim of any sexual offence to make contact with us, no matter how long ago the offences occurred. You will be treated sensitively and given help and support.

"Anyone who wants to report such offences can do so either at a station, the website or on 101."