Littlehampton man sentenced for sex offences against teenage girl
Ronald Didd has been handed a ten-year sentence
A man from Littlehampton has been handed a ten-year sentence for sexual offences against a young girl.
Ronald Didd, 62, of Potters Mead, previously admitted one count of rape and three counts of sexual activity against the teenager.
Seven-and-a-half years of the sentence will be served behind bars, while two-and-a-half years will be served on extended licence.
He'll be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which severely restricts his access to female children, as well as a Restraining Order preventing him from contacting the victim or her family.
Both orders will take effect for ten years on his release from prison.
Detective Constable Jason Berney of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: "Didd met the victim’s vulnerable family and over a period of time two years ago he manipulated them in order to allow him unrestricted access to a child and commit the offences while she was staying in his home.
"He caused great harm and fear to the victim, who was very brave to provide her evidence to police and support the investigation.
"Following our investigation Didd was left with little option but to enter guilty pleas to the charges. The victim in this case really needs to be commended for her bravery, as this was extremely traumatic. He manipulated her family and left her isolated and vulnerable and yet she still had the courage to speak out against him."