POLICE have praised a woman’s 'incredible bravery' during a court case.

Last week paedophile Neale Holmes was jailed for 13 years for raping and sexually abusing a young child.

Holmes, of Wigod Way, Wallingford, had denied any wrong-doing and told police his child victim ‘may have had a bad dream’.

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The 50-year-old, who will also be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, had denied one count of rape, one count of sexual assault and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity – offences which took place in the early 2000s.

A jury at Oxford Crown Court found him guilty of all counts in October and on Tuesday he was sentenced at the same court.

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His victim read out an emotional statement in which she said she will ‘never be the same again’ after the abuse.

The investigating officer on the case, Detective Constable Helen Burns – of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit – said: “Holmes took advantage of a young girl and abused her when she thought she was in a place of safety.

“I would like to commend the victim in this case who has shown incredibly bravery throughout the investigation, giving her evidence and cross-examination evidence prior to the commencement of the crown court trial.

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“Furthermore she had the courage to stand up during the sentencing and read out her Victim Impact Statement.

“She explained that she has relived the abuse daily since it happened and that her life has been immeasurably changed.

“In her own words, she feels comforted knowing that people believe her and believed what happened to her.

“I hope that this case illustrates that if you are subjected to sexual abuse that you will be treated with respect and dignity, and we will do everything in our power to investigate and bring offenders such as Holmes to justice.”

If you have been the victim of sexual abuse find out how to report a crime or speak to an organisation here. 

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