A SEX offender has been sentenced to six years behind bars for abusing a young girl almost 30 years ago.

David Wood, 62, who has lived abroad but is formerly of Sunderland, denied indecent assault and two offences of indecency with a child, all in relation to the same underage girl, but was found guilty after a trial in July.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Wood was jailed for six years and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. Wood must also abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order.

The victim found the confidence to come forward and tell police about the abuse in 2017.

Detective Constable Grace Willett of the Force's Safeguarding department took on the case when the victim bravely came forward in 2017 after almost thirty years of silence.

Det Con Willett said: "It takes so much courage to come forward and report incidents of this nature to police, especially when they are historic reports.

"This victim found the strength to come forward and she now has justice for the vile actions this man imposed on her.

"I hope this sentence can help support the victim through her healing process and can begin to move forward with her life.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to please come forward to police. Please don't suffer any longer. We are here to listen and take action."

If you have been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about the force's Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.