A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for seven years for sexually assaulting a young girl at an airshow 18 years ago.

David Conrad, 57, of Pepper Lane, Ashurst, was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court on November 18, having been convicted of indecent assault on the girl, then aged eight, while they were spectators at the Shoreham Air Show in August 2003.

He will also serve a further year on extended prison released licence and will be a registered sex offender indefinitely.

Sussex Police Investigator Amber Evans said the girl was at the show with her family when Conrad, also sitting in the crowd, attacked her, without anyone else being aware.

"She did not report the attack to anyone at the time and only 14 years later did she feel able to talk to the police about it," she said

"We were still able to investigate and seek justice, and to give her access to sources of specialist advice and support.

"You can always contact us if you have been the victim of sexual offences, no matter how long ago."

For information on how to report sexual offences and the services available, see the Sussex Police website.