A PONTEFRACT man has been sentenced to eight and a half years imprisonment after being found guilty of a catalogue of sexual offences against a girl in the 1970s.

Malcolm Fletcher, now 72, of West Close, Pontefract, was found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

He appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, May 11) for sentencing.

The offences were committed over a four year period in the 1970s when Fletcher was aged in his 20s. The girl was aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences.

DI Kristy Wright, of the Wakefield Child Safeguarding Unit, said: “Fletcher preyed on his victim and took opportunities over a four year period to subject her to a catalogue of sexual abuse, including rape.

“The victim came forward to the police two years ago. She has showed immense courage in detailing what happened to her during her childhood, which this man stole from her.

"He refused to admit his guilt and subjected her to the further ordeal of a trial.

“I hope his conviction and the fact he is now behind bars provides some form of closure for the victim; who has lived with the consequences of this man’s actions for over 40 years.

“I also hope that it demonstrates that we will take action, regardless of the passage of time, to ensure that those who commit such offences face the justice they deserve."