A 78-year-old man who sexually abused a nine-year-old girl in High Wycombe, Oxford and Slough more than 35 years ago has been jailed.

The victim of Joseph Armotrading, who lived in Slough and abused the girl for three years, said she has finally got justice after spending decades battling anxiety and depression following the attacks.

The sex offender was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court last week after being found guilty by a majority jury of four counts of indecent assault on a child under 13 years old.

The charges are in relation to one victim – who cannot be named for legal reasons – aged between nine and 11 at the time when the offences were committed between 1979 and 1981.

A statement released on behalf of the victim, said: “Before Joseph Armotrading came into my young life my life was full of joy. I trusted the adults in my life. I was a happy-go-lucky little girl without a care in the world.

“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. I went from being a happy-go-lucky child to being a lonely, depressed little girl.

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

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

“However at last we have finally achieved justice.”

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

Armotrading was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for each count, totalling ten years’ imprisonment. The sentences are to run consecutively.