A SELBY man who abused a girl for nearly a decade has been jailed for 15 years.

Peter Philip Wallis, 59, now of Thornden Buildings, Selby, pleaded guilty at York Crown Court to six counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency.

The offences took place between 1985 and 1994 in Scarborough against a victim who is now 39.

Detective Constable Nadine Evans, of Scarborough Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, said: “Wallis is an evil man who subjected his victim to sustained abuse over a number of years.

“He has thankfully been imprisoned for a substantial length of time for his utterly appalling crimes.

“I would like to take the opportunity to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and reporting these distressing crimes she was subjected to by Wallis.”

DC Evans added: “It is never too late for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report the offences to the police. If you have been subjected to this type of crime, I urge you to come forward and get the help and support you need.”

Police urge anyone who has been the victim of any form of abuse to phone 101 or to seek independent advice, support and services from Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 01904 669339 or www.turntobridgehouse.org