A RYDE man who told police he was a virgin, but subjected a girl to rapes and other sexual crimes in the early 1990s, has been jailed for a decade.

Steven Roy Reddin, of Arundel Close, appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Friday).

At a previous hearing on May 24, the 58-year-old admitted two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, two counts of indecent assault on a girl aged under 14, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl aged under 14.

The offences date between June 9, 1991 and June 10, 1994.

Pre-sentence and psychiatric reports were ordered, and his case was adjourned.

Prosecutor, Tim Devlin, described a series of graphic occasions in which Reddin had sought sexual gratification from his victim, who was aged between nine and 13 at the time of the offences.

He said on one occasion, Reddin had even threatened to tell the victim's parents how "disgusting she was" if she did not comply.

Mr Devlin said the victim was repeatedly abused and raped by Reddin, at venues which included a public swimming pool and a common.

He said, in 1991, Reddin would make the victim watch pornography and horror films with him around once a week, and get her to perform sexual acts on him.

He said this escalated, and the abuse finally stopped when she was around 13 years of age.

Mr Devlin said Reddin's conduct was a gross abuse of trust, and the impact on the victim was severe.

The court heard Reddin was interviewed by police, and on the first occasion, denied abusing the victim, telling officers he was a virgin who had never been in a relationship with an adult.

Mr Devlin said he showed no indication of remorse, but a psychiatric report painted a picture of someone who was more simple than dangerous.

Oscar Vincent, defending, referred to pre-sentence and psychiatric reports made available for the hearing.

He said the documents both had common themes in regard to Reddin's vulnerabilities, and it was clear he had learning difficulties since childhood.

Mr Vincent said Reddin was a person with a lack of comprehension and some understanding, as outlined in the probation report.

He said he'd been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and a schizophrenic disorder, and had lived a solitary lifestyle since 1994.

The court heard Reddin had a clear lack of maturity, a below-average IQ, and a long history of being socially awkward.

Reddin was jailed for ten years and made subject of a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He was given an indefinite restraining order and a barring order was also made.

It is the County Press policy to publish police photographs of people jailed for more than 12 months, in line with Hampshire Constabulary guidance, but in this instance Hampshire Constabulary were unable to provide one.

DC Gillian Harvey, who led the investigation, said: “The woman in this case has shown incredible courage in coming forward to report this terrible abuse, which she had kept a secret for many years.

“The damage that this type of offending causes, and has caused, is indescribable, but this woman’s bravery has ensured that Reddin has been brought to justice.

“Reddin was fully aware that his actions amounted to abuse of the most horrific kind, yet continued his behaviour without sparing a thought for the impact this would have.

"We encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police on 101 where you can speak to someone in confidence."

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This case shows that survivors of child abuse can see their abusers brought to justice, no matter how long ago the offences happened.

"The woman in this case has demonstrated tremendous bravery in speaking out about Reddin’s crimes, and we would encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to speak to a trusted adult.

“Adults who wish to report historic abuse, or have concerns about a child, can phone the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk, while children can contact Childline any time on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk.”