Barnsley man jailed for raping young girl Published duration 5 December 2016

image copyright South Yorkshire Police image caption Dale Smith was convicted following a trial in February

A man who sexually abused a young girl in Barnsley over a nine-month period has been jailed for 15 years.

Dale Smith, of Wombwell in the South Yorkshire town, was convicted in February of three counts of rape of a child and six other sexual offences.

Sheffield Crown Court had heard 35-year-old Smith's victim, who is now a young woman, was under 10 years old.

South Yorkshire Police praised her bravery in coming forward, saying she had been "incredibly courageous".

Det Insp Gary Askew said she had shown a great deal of strength through a police investigation and subsequent trial.

He added: "Smith refused to accept responsibility for his crimes and this woman had to relive her abuse before a jury, who convicted Smith of multiple horrific offences."

In addition to the jail term, Smith was also given a one-year extended licence, a sexual harm prevention order and has been placed on the sex offenders register.