David Townsley jailed for schoolgirl rape
A 42-year-old man from Cumbria has been jailed for 14 years after he was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting a schoolgirl.
David Townsley, of Nursery Place, Whitehaven, was arrested after the victim, now an adult, reported the attacks to police.
The girl was 12 years old when the "horror" of the abuse began, Cumbria Police said.
Townsley, who had denied the charges, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.
A jury found him guilty of five counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.
Det Con Andrea Davidson said the victim had shown "great courage" in coming forward.
She said: "I hope that she can now move on and try to rebuild her life.
"I also hope that other victims of sexual abuse can take strength from this woman and have the confidence to contact the police themselves no matter how long ago the abuse occurred."