A MAN who raped a young girl has been jailed for 16 years.

Terrence Wilmer, 57, was found guilty of a string of sexual offences against two girls.

Wilmer, of Emmanuel Road, Hastings, was originally reported to the police by the girl he raped when she was aged between four and seven in 2004, but the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him.

She contacted the police again with further information about the rape and sexual assaults she endured. At the same time a second victim who was aged between nine and 12 at the time she was sexually assaulted came forward.

Detective Sergeant Dave Elcock of the East Sussex Safeguarding and Investigation Unit, said; "Wilmer systematically groomed these vulnerable victims over time and took advantage of their vulnerability for his own gratification.

"We will always take seriously and investigate such allegations. If you wish to report any offence, against you or someone you know, please contact us online or by calling 101, and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators."

For the rape Wilmer was given 16 years plus a further five years on extended licence. He received eight years for each of the six counts of sexual assault offences, to run concurrently.