68 year old David White assaulted a girl known to him between 1986 and 1996 when she was aged between 6 and 16.
He’s been sentenced to 12 years at Guildford Crown Court and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Surrey Police has praised her courage in coming forward decades later.
The survivor said, “This has been a very long and hard journey which tested my strength and resilience. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and it only takes something small like smelling a certain aftershave or seeing a ring on a man’s little finger to bring it all back to me.
“The consequences of David’s choices have affected every aspect of my life. l feel that David’s words have made me believe that the way I look offends others. I have always bought much bigger sized clothes to hide my body, and I did and still do wear clothes that are too big for me.
“Having it drummed into you that you are ‘fat’, ‘smelly’, ‘ugly’ and ‘didn’t matter’ makes it hard to have the confidence to make friends and have a life.
“My childhood was stolen and can never be returned. The only way I have managed to get on with my life is to block out all memories from childhood.
“I will never forgive David for what he has done to me. Every time that cell door slams is just a tiny glimpse of what he has done to me.”
Investigating officer, DC Louise Sloan, said, “I would like to thank the survivor for finding the confidence to come forward to police and report the awful events that took place. I hope she feels that justice have been done, and her voice has finally been heard after all these years.
“Without her help, trust and support, this abhorrent individual would never have brought to justice. Hopefully this conviction assists her in moving forward with her life.
“I’d like to reassure any survivors of abuse that it is never too late to come forward and report to us, even if they took place decades ago. Surrey Police will always take your report seriously and investigate where we possibly can.
“I hope this conviction serves as a warning to those who abuse children that, no matter how long ago you committed your crimes, not to believe that you have gotten away with it. We could come knocking on your door any day now.”
