A 26-YEAR-OLD father who sexually abused a 14-year-old girl has been jailed for five years.

Daniel Reed of Oak Close, Farley, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court today after previously pleading guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child.

The court heard that the abuse took place between February and May last year after a "wholesome friendship" between Reed – who is a father to two young children – and his victim turned physical, starting with kissing before moving to sex.

Judge Andrew Barnett told the defendant: "You ruthlessly exploited her [the victim] by pleasuring yourself in the way that has been described here today.

"You have effectively robbed her of her childhood.

"She is left with the difficulty of never really every being able to have a proper relationship, because of what you have done."

Tears were shed by relatives of the victim, who were present at the hearing, with a cry of "yes" when the jail term was delivered.

Speaking after the decision, Wiltshire Police Det Con Kim Weston praised the girl for her bravery in cooperating with the investigation.

She said: “Over many months, Reed groomed his 14-year-old victim to the point that she trusted him and believed that she loved him.

“During some of her most vulnerable times, he used that trust to enter into a sexual relationship with her.

“The victim has shown unbelievable strength through this process and I hope that the sentence today allows her time to heal and move forward with her life.”

She added: “We know that child sexual abuse can have a long-lasting impact on victims, right into adulthood and that they need appropriate specialist support.

“It is vital that victims report abuse, so that they can get the support they need. We as the police can investigate crimes and work collaboratively with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring offenders to justice.

“If you have been abused, please speak to someone you know. Here at Wiltshire Police we take all reports seriously and would urge people to call us on 101.”

Reed was also made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.