A man who raped and abused a little girl while living in Devizes has been jailed.
65-year-old Christopher Mugridge was convicted of a string of sexual offences committed against a female under the age of 13.
At Winchester Crown Court on 9 December, the defendant, of Pevensey Road, Bognor Regis, was jailed for 21 years with an extended licence period of one year.
In total, he was found guilty of inflicting 12 crimes on the youngster – including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, indecent assault and child cruelty.
In a statement read out in court, his victim said: “The reality is that you are the only person who hurt me, and you only hurt me because I was a little girl with no hope of defending myself.
“I want to live a fulfilling life, have a partner I can trust and kids that I can trust them with, and I will not allow the memory of you to stop me”.
In relation to the Police investigation and the trial, the victim stated, “I have felt more supported in the last two years during this process than in my whole life.”
DC Ryan Churchley said: “Wiltshire Police takes sexual offences against children very seriously, whether this is a recent offence or something which has happened many years ago.
“The victim in this case bravely came forward and reported what had happened to her.
“It is because of her courage and support throughout the police investigation that Christopher Mugridge has been brought to justice.
“I would like to reassure the public that we will always look to prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences against children, recent or non-recent. You will be supported, no matter what the passage of time, and we will bring offenders to justice.
“Anyone who wishes to speak to us can call 101 or make a report on our website. Support is available on our website.”
