A CHILD rapist who sexually abused a girl under 13 for five years has been jailed.

John Gibbs gained the teenager’s confidence before “systematically sexually abusing her”.

At Lewes Crown Court, the 50-year-old was found guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault on the child.

The former cleaner was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The Argus: John Gibbs, from Eastbourne John Gibbs, from Eastbourne

Detective Constable Hugh Charles, of Sussex Police, said: "Gibbs came to know the girl and over a period of time he ingratiated himself with her and initially gained her confidence before systematically sexually abusing her, solely for his own pleasure.

"Only when she eventually felt able to disclose to family members what had happened was this reported to us, and action was taken immediately, resulting in Gibbs' arrest and three years later in his subsequent prosecution."

Gibbs, of Shanklin Close, Eastbourne, will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The order, which will last until a further court decision, prohibits him from any contact with his victim or her family, and from living in any household where there are children under 16.

On hearing the sentence, the victim's mother said: “This result was all my daughter wanted, for him to know he’d done wrong.

“For the first time in three years, she’s gone to the shops to buy sweets without having to look over her shoulder, and I hope sooner rather than later we will get to see a smile again.

“I also want to thank the police and the support services at Survivors Network for all their hard work and support they have given to me and my daughter.”

Det Con Charles said: "I also want to thank my colleagues, Detective Constables Steve Wormley, Lisa Wells and Laura Powell for all their work in helping to bring Gibbs to justice.

“This was a team effort on behalf of the victim.”