A 69-year-old man from Bewdley has been sentenced to 12 years for sexually assaulting a girl under 13 and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. 

Gary Oakes, of Trimpley Lane, was handed the sentence at Worcester Crown Court on Friday (September 13). 

The sentence follows a trial where he was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault of a female child under 13, two counts of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity with no penetration and one breach of a sexual harm prevention order. 

The court heard that Oakes abused his victim over a three-year period from August 2015 to August 2018. 

Detective Sergeant Phil Wood, who worked on the investigation, said: "Oakes subjected his young victim to a sustained campaign of abuse which caused her immense and long-lasting trauma and distress. 

"I’m pleased that he has been handed a significant custodial sentence, meaning he’s unable to cause harm to other young people.  

"I can’t begin to imagine what the victim has been through and I commend her courage in coming forward to report Oakes’ abuse. 

"I don’t doubt the strength this took, and the resilience she has shown during the trial has been immeasurable.

"I hope this case demonstrates that we take all reports of sexual assault incredibly seriously and won’t hesitate to investigate and bring offenders to justice."

If you’ve been affected by sexual assault then local support is available from the Victim Advice Line.

The Victim Advice Line is a free and confidential service offering advice, practical help and emotional support to people affected by crime regardless how long ago it happened or whether it has been reported to the police. 

Support is available by calling 0800 9523000, via email at info@victimadviceline.org.uk and through live chat at www.victimadviceline.org.uk