A MAN has been sentenced after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual assaults against a young girl.

Richard Tallis, 54, of Bolsover Road, West Tarring, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday July 30.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was aged under 13 when she was assaulted between seven and 15 years ago in the Chichester area.

Tallis has been sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison.

He will also be a registered sex offender indefinitely and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will severely restrict his access to children until furth court order.

The prosecution followed an investigation by West Sussex Safeguarding detectives, who worked with local authority children services to ensure that no one else was at risk.

Detective Constable Angela De Vivo of the West Sussex Safeguarding unit said: "Tallis had systematically abused this very young girl over several years, causing her deep and lasting distress.

"Only three years ago did she feel strong enough to come forward and report what had happened to her.

"We admire her courage and resolution in doing so and in supporting our investigation all the way, and in being ready to give evidence if needed."

For information about reporting sexual offences and the support that is available, see the Sussex Police website.