A 72-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for more than 14 years after admitting sex offences.

Peter Ward, from Liversedge, pleaded guilty to non-recent sexual offences committed in the Kirklees when sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday).

He was jailed for 14 years and two months and was also subject to an extended licence for one year.

Ward was sentenced for offences of indecent assault and indecency with a child which he pleaded guilty to in a court hearing on March 24 of this year.

The offences were committed against an underage female victim in the 1970s and 1980s.

They were reported to police in 2018 initiating detailed enquiries by safeguarding detectives.

Ward will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Suzanne Clark of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Team, said: “Ward committed awful offences against his young female victim and I want to praise her courage in coming forward and helping us put this man behind bars.

“I hope this sentence gives other victims the confidence to come forward and shows that it is never too late to report such offences to police.

“Specially trained officers will always listen and fully investigate any reports made.”