A 65-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 22 years for the rape and indecent assault of a girl in Bucks between 1979 and 1984.

John Peter Hallam of Black Butts Lane, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was sentenced yesterday at Aylesbury Crown Court after being found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault.

The charges related to a girl who was aged under 16 at the time, at an address in Aylesbury.

The victim first reported the sexual abuse to police in 1984, but she withdrew her complaint after being put under pressure by Hallam.

She then re-contacted Thames Valley Police in May 2012 and the case was re-investigated.

Judge Sheridan, presiding, said that it was the most serious case he had sat on in 30 years.

Investigator Rebecca Spaull of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The sexual abuse that this victim suffered as a young girl has had a significant impact on her adult life. She has been incredibly brave in reporting these offences to the police again and then giving evidence in court.

“She has shown tremendous courage during what has been a very traumatic time for her and I hope this sentence brings some closure. I would like to thank all the witnesses, who have enabled Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, to finally provide justice to the victim after 30 years.”