A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for eight years for a series of “abhorrent” sexual assaults on a girl under the age of 16.

Anthony Coraldean, 58, of Vincent Road, Chingford, put his victim through nearly two years of “appalling” sexual abuse between 1989 and 1990.

The victim was under the age of 16 when Coraldean carried out the attacks at an address in Chingford.

Now aged in her 40s, Coraldean’s victim found “incredible courage” coming forward to the police some 27 years later.

She told police in September, last year, how Coraldean would force her to carry out a number of sexual acts against her will from January, 1989, to December, 1990.

Police soon caught up with Coraldean and he was arrested and charged the following month in October.

He denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.

But after a seven-day trial in July, he was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 14 and one count of child cruelty on a child under the age of 14.

He was cleared of two other indecent assaults, but will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Lauren Brady, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, led the investigation into Coraldean’s crimes.

She said: "We are pleased to see Coraldean receive a significant custodial sentence for his abhorrent crimes.

“His offences may have taken place a long time ago, but they have had a long-lasting impact on the victim's life.

“We can only hope that his imprisonment provides her with some closure, and that she is now fully able to move on with her life.

"I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting her abuse and throughout the judicial process.

“I would urge any victims of abuse to come forward and speak to us.

"The Metropolitan Police Service takes such allegations of abuse very, very seriously and will treat any victims with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.”

A charity leading the way in preventing cruelty against children also recognised her “incredible” bravery in speaking out.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Coraldean’s victim has shown incredible courage in speaking out about the abuse she suffered.

“Thanks to her bravery, Coraldean is now facing the consequences of his appalling actions.

“We hope she is receiving support to recover from her ordeal and this case shows that survivors of sexual abuse will be listened to, no matter how long ago the offence took place.”

Anyone who is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or get help online via www.childline.org.uk