A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with an additional year on extended licence after being convicted of the sexual abuse and rape of a young girl.

Neclp Uslu, 45, of Fore Street in Pool, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court by HHJ Simon Carr on Thursday, July 3 after being found guilty by a jury of six assaults of a girl under 16 by touching, two assaults of a girl under 13 by penetration and rape of a girl under 13.

Uslu must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Uslu, a Turkish national, targeted the victim on a number of occasions.

The abuse came to light and an investigation launched following a disclosure by the victim at school.

Uslu was arrested at Stansted Airport after arriving back in the UK from a trip to Turkey and taken to Exeter Custody Suite where he was interviewed by police.

In interview Uslu denied any sexual offending towards the victim had ever taken place.

The officer in the case, detective constable 10461 Joanna De Seta of the Public Protection Unit said: “I would like to thank the victim for bravely disclosing what Uslu had done to her and for supporting the case throughout the court process. Her doing so has allowed us to bring Neclp Uslu to justice.

“These serious investigations sometimes take a considerable time to progress to court and her courage has been unwavering. Uslu’s abuse had a huge impact on the victim’s schooling and life in general and we hope she is now able to feel some closure. Uslu never had the courage to admit what he had done, meaning the victim was forced to give evidence in court.

"Devon and Cornwall Police continue to investigate all reports of sexual abuse made to us, regardless of when the abuse took place, and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure sexual offenders, such as Neclp Uslu, are held accountable and see justice for their crimes.”