A “HORRIFIC” child rapist has been jailed for abusing a young girl.

Adam Arnold was guilty of “systematic” abuse of his victim in Sussex.

The girl was aged between ten and 14 when the sex attacks happened.

She endured “trauma and distress” and felt unable to tell anyone about what was happening until last year.

At Hove Crown Court Arnold, 32, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He admitted four counts of child rape and eight counts of other serious sex assaults.

There were “multiple occasions” when Arnold committed the sick crimes.

Detective Constable Ellen Jones said: “Arnold came to know his victim, and five years ago began this horrific and systematic abuse which she suffered, unbeknown to anyone else, until she felt able to confide in someone she knew last year, and we were promptly informed.

“We took immediate action and Arnold was arrested.

“This young girl had endured the trauma and distress of what happened to her, in secret, and we admire all the more her courage and resolution in now supporting both our investigation and the prosecution.”

Unemployed Arnold, of Webb Close, Crawley, was jailed and will be a registered sex offender for life.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will stop him having access to children in future.

DC Ellen Jones made an appeal for victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

She said: “If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone else who is, no matter how recent or long ago, contact us at any time in confidence, and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.

“We have specialist officers who can also help you access to a range of independent advice and support.”