A 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences against a young child has been jailed.

Anthony Jarrett was sentenced to four charges relating to various sexual assaults of a child under 13 at court on Friday, May 17.

The abuse, which took place over a three-year period in South Lincolnshire, relates to a single victim.

He told his victim not to tell anyone, was overly friendly and nice to them, and insisted that if they revealed what was going on it would have a devastating effect on his life.

Jarrett, of Maple Close, Larkfield, was jailed for almost 11 years.

Thanks to the work of investigators and the bravery of the victim, Jarret eventually went before court officials in a pre-trial preparation hearing on April 24 where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

The impact statement read out in court from the victim and their family spelt out the devastating impact Jarrett had on their lives.

Jarrett was placed on the sex offenders’ register, made subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and was given a restraining order against the victim.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “Jarrett’s behaviour was despicable and vile and will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire.

“The victim in this investigation has been incredibly brave every step of the way, as has their family, and this sentence is a testament to the bravery they have shown throughout.

“We hope this sentence will bring them some form of closure and allow them to move on.”

A Lincolnshire Police statement added: “If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or offence, please report it to us as soon as possible.

“Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we want to hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe. If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK.”