A man has been jailed for sexual offences against a teenage girl in the 1980s and 1990s.

Alan Ward, aged 71, of Barnsley Road, South Kirkby, was jailed today (July 7) for a number sexual offences.

He was aged in his 30s when he started a sexual relationship with the victim who was 14 at the time.

The relationship continued until she was in her late teens.

Alan Ward was jailed today for a number sexual offences which took place in the 1980s and 1990s.

placeholder image — Alan Ward was jailed today for a number sexual offences which took place in the 1980s and 1990s.

The victim came forward to report Ward in 2020, which prompted an investigation by the Wakefield District Safeguarding Unit and led to Ward being charged with non-recent sexual offences.

Ward denied the allegations made against him.

But after a trial at Leeds Crown Court, he was found guilty of four counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16 which took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He was also found guilty of a further sex offence which took place over the same period.

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today, Ward was given a concurrent jail sentence of 13 years.

DC Anna Potton of the Wakefield District Safeguarding Unit said: “The victim has shown immense bravery in coming forward and going through a lengthy legal process in which she had to relive her ordeal by giving evidence against her abuser.

“Ward is behind bars where he cannot pose a threat to any other children. I hope that his conviction and sentence brings the victim some comfort as she begins to move on with her life.”

“West Yorkshire Police has dedicated safeguarding units across each district of the force. We are here to listen when you are ready and we will investigate what is reported to us.

“If you’ve been the victim of rape, sexual assault or any other sexual offence, please report it to us. It's never too late."