A MAN who sexually assaulted a schoolgirl at his home more than a decade ago has been jailed for four years.

Matthew Full, 41, of Standale Crescent, Pudsey, was brought to justice following an investigation by officers from Leeds District Safeguarding Unit after the victim, a teenage schoolgirl, came forward as an adult.

Full was found guilty of two offences of sexual activity with a child following a trial at Leeds Crown Court that concluded in October last year. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment on Friday.

He and a friend had got talking to the victim and her friend in a pub where he bought her drinks before taking her back to his address for more drinks.

Although he was aware that she was underage, he took her to a bedroom and sexually assaulted her despite her attempts to fend him off.

Afterwards he repeatedly told her not to tell anyone and threatened to shame her to her family if she did.

When the victim later reported the incident to police as a woman, she gave a detailed account that resulted in Full being summonsed to court to face trial.

He denied the offences and claimed not to have met her or taken her back to his home, but the jury refused to believe this.

Detective Inspector Vicky Alexander, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: “Full was in his twenties when he sexually abused the victim, who was a vulnerable underage girl.

“She was left understandably traumatised by what he did to her and for many years felt unable to tell anyone or report the incident to the police.

“When she was able to come forward as an adult, we made sure she was supported by specialist safeguarding officers throughout the investigation and the court process that resulted in Full being held accountable for his actions.

“We hope his conviction and sentence will give her some level of comfort and reassurance as she continues to move forward with her life.

“The successful outcome of this case should clearly demonstrate that the passage of time need not be a barrier to justice, and we hope it will give other victims of such offences the confidence to come forward knowing they will be listened to and supported.”