A BARNSLEY man who refused to admit the ‘horrific abuse’ he subjected a child to having repeatedly raped her until forensic evidence finally forced him to change his plea has been jailed.

Jake Kitching, of Worsbrough Bridge, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court where a judge handed down a custodial term of 12 years and three months for multiple sexual offences against a child.

The 31-year-old’s ‘prolonged and repeated’ pattern of abuse saw the offences committed while the victim was between the ages of nine and 12.

It wasn’t until Kitching was stopped whilst driving without a licence - which also saw officers recover a quantity of class A, B and C drugs - that the sexual offences came to light.

South Yorkshire Police said the evidence recovered during the stop, along with the victim’s later disclosure to her mother and detectives, formed part of the prosecution case.

Detective Constable Ashleigh Doggett, who was the officer in charge of this case, told the Chronicle: “I would firstly like to commend the bravery of the victim in the case.

“She has shown tremendous courage throughout the whole investigation, from when it was first reported to us right through to the sentencing of Kitching.

“Kitching repeatedly denied the offences when questioned by our officers, refusing to admit the horrific abuse he subjected his victim to.

“He clearly had no regard for her at all.”

Kitching initially entered not guilty pleas to the offences but following a forensic-led probe, he altered his plea to guilty.

The court was told he used cash incentives and made threats in a bid to silence his victim after the initial assault was carried out.

Kitching told the child not to tell anyone before he attempted to rape her again just days later.

“He had no option but to plead guilty when facing the courts after our extensive work uncovered forensic evidence which he could not deny,” Det Con Doggett added.

“I know this sentence will not undo the terrible acts Kitching committed but I hope it provides the victim some comfort and allows her to start moving on with her life.”

Police urged more people to come forward - and said support will always be provided.

A spokesperson added: “Reporting rape, sexual assault or another sexual crime like indecent exposure or upskirting can be daunting.

“We’re here to support you whether you’re ready to report it to us or if you’d prefer to talk to someone else.

“If you want to talk it through before deciding whether to report to us, you can talk to a sexual assault referral centre, an independent sexual violence advisor service.

“If you want to report something to us but don’t want to talk directly to us, some support organisations can make a report on your behalf.

“They don’t have to give us your details, you can ask the organisation not to tell us who you are.”