'My childhood was entirely destroyed': Rape victim tells court how Liversedge paedophile ruined her life by abusing her as a child

Kevin Blackburn was given an extended jail sentence totalling 18 years after being told he represents a serious public danger.

The 71-year-old was brought to justice almost a decade after his offending against the girl began.

Leeds Crown Court heard how the victim suffered severe psychological harm as a result of the abuse.

Blackburn, of Healds Avenue, Liversedge, pleaded guilty to rape of a child under the age of 13, two counts of assault of a child by penetration, two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 and causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Jeremy Hill-Baker, prosecuting, said Blackburn gained the girl's trust before the abuse started.

Blackburn gave the girl money after abusing her and later offered her cigarettes and alcohol.

The victim did not tell anyone about the abuse because she felt humiliated, ashamed and scared.

Blackburn also told her that no one would believe her if she told anyone.

The victim was a teenager when she confided in friends that she had been abused.

In a statement read to the court, she described herself as a 'happy, normal' child who thought the best of people before Blackburn began abusing her.

She said: "My childhood was entirely destroyed by that man. He took away my innocence."

She said Blackburn made her out to be "the villain"

The victim said she would fake illnesses so she did not have to go to school, which led to her being bullied.

She also described feeling insecure around men and suffered symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Gillian Batts, mitigating, said Blackburn, a grandfather, has no previous convictions.

Blackburn was told he must serve two-thirds of a 13-year custodial period before he can be considered for release, followed by an extended licence period of five years.

He was also made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.