A MAN has been jailed for historic sexual offences against a young girl.

Thomas Orr, of Hastings, was found guilty of indecency with a child and indecent assault on a child.

Both charges related to offences committed in the early 1980s on a girl who was known to him.

At Brighton Crown Court, Orr was sentenced to a total of five years and six months in prison for both offences.

The 67-year-old will also be a registered sex offender for life.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which forbids Orr, of Priory Road, Hastings, from having unsupervised contact with children.

It prevents him from residing or working with children and young people, or approaching or talking with children.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Samuel Collyer, from Eastbourne CID, said: “The victim showed courage to come forward and report these offences which took place when she was a very young girl.

“Orr denied the offences and showed no remorse as he put the victim through having to go to trial.

“This case demonstrates that we take historic sexual abuse very seriously. The victim received support from specialist officers throughout the process.

“We were determined to get justice for the victim, and following a thorough investigation we are pleased with the jury’s verdict.

“Victims of sexual abuse can report offences to us on the Sussex Police website, or self-refer to one of the county's Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).”