A VICTIM of child abuse said justice had been achieved after a pensioner was sentenced to ten years in prison for historic sex offences.

Joseph Armotrading, 78, was found guilty by a jury of four counts of indecent assault on a child under 13 years old after a five-day trial.

Oxford Crown Court heard he abused the girl from the age of nine to 11 between 1979 and 1981.

The abuse was committed in Oxford, High Wycombe and Slough.

Armotrading, of Salthill Drive in Slough, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for each count, totalling ten years imprisonment.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: “Before he came into my young life, my life was full of joy.

“What I thought was his genuine interest in me was in fact grooming for sexual abuse. In a heartbeat he set my life on a different course.

“My young mind could not comprehend the physical violations and psychological trauma.

“In the 35 years since he sexually abused me, I have fought incredibly hard to stay alive.

“I have suffered from anxiety and depression and I still require assistance to cope with the trauma.

“However at last we have finally achieved justice.”

Following the sentencing, on Wednesday, May 13, Det Con Maria Morrisey, from Cowley’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the courage of the victim and I hope the sentencing of Armotrading will bring some kind of closure, as I know it has had a huge impact on the victim and family over the years.”