A girl who was raped by a paedophile from Petersfield has been praised for her “immeasurable bravery” in bringing the predator to justice.

Benjamin Bull was recently sentenced to 13 years in prison after a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court found him guilty of a string of child sex offences following a trial.

The five offences included the rape of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration.

The 40-year-old of Clare Gardens – who poses a significant risk to the public and young girls, according to the judge – was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sexual offences register for life.

Both the judge and investigating officers have commended the victim for doing the “right thing and coming forward” with the former lauding her “immeasurable bravery” in bringing the predator to justice.

DC Hannah Owen of the Eastern Child Abuse Investigation Team also hailed the “incredible courage” of the victim.

She added: “We take all allegations of sexual abuse and rape extremely seriously, and we have specially trained teams that can investigate these kinds of offences and provide support.

“If you have experienced these kinds of offences we can make a commitment to you that you will be heard and listened to, and your report will be believed.”

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse you can call 101 and speak to a police officer in confidence. 

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.