A DETECTIVE has praised the courage of a Carlisle child rape victim whose abuser has been jailed for 20 years.

The city's crown court heard that 71-year-old Harold Nicholson “terrified” his victim, threatening to kill her and other members of her family if she told anybody.

She was just 11 when the rapes began, the court heard.

Nicholson, of Holywell Crescent, Botcherby, denied the allegations.

But he was convicted of raping the child five times - though prosecutors say it happened at least twice that many times.

Speaking after he was jailed, Detective Constable Kerry Gibson, of North Cumbria Police's Crime and Safeguarding Team, praised the victim, who is now an adult.

The officer said: "It's understandably difficult and distressing for victims of rape to talk about what happened to them, but the courage this victim has shown has enabled us to provide justice.

“There is no doubt that Nicholson’s actions have had a profound impact on the victim’s life, but I hope she and her family feel able to try and move forward now that justice has been done.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message to the perpetrators that no matter how much time has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.

“No matter how much time has passed, support is available in Cumbria for victims of sexual offences.

"The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”