This is Derbyshire --A WOMAN has spoken out after seeing her childhood abuser jailed for three years.
"I feel as if I was in hiding but I have put that weight on his shoulders," she said.
"I just wanted justice and the most important thing was when the jury found him guilty.
"I had not spoken to anyone because it was horrible and scary – but I would now tell others to go to the police.
"The only reason it took so long was because I didn't have the courage until now. I couldn't trust anyone but the police have been brilliant and really kind."
She spoke as former market trader Michael Smith, 71, was put on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and banned from being alone with anyone under 18.
Smith, of Holbrook Street, Heanor, was convicted of four offences in the 1990s, when the girl was aged between six and eight.
A Derby Crown Court jury had found him guilty of inciting a child to commit a sexual act, two counts of gross indecency and one of indecent assault. Some of the abuse took place in the back of his van at a Derbyshire market, where he had been manager and ran a jewellery stall.
After the case, the girl added: "I know he is an old man but what he did to me was horrible and I have carried that for years. Since the trial, I have got some confidence and didn't think he deserved to die a free man."
Detective Constable Emily Town, who investigated the case, said: "I praise the bravery of the victim and her family for finding the courage to come forward.
"There was also her bravery in having to relive her ordeal in court.
"Hopefully, the sentence will allow her to put this behind her and move forward with her life.
"Being sent to prison reflects the severity of the crime. Derbyshire police take reports of sexual abuse very seriously and historical cases, such as this one, will be investigated thoroughly."
Recorder David Mason told Smith: "These incidents clearly had a lasting effect.
"Thankfully the abuse stopped suddenly and you have not been in trouble since nor had you been in trouble prior to these offences."
Smith did not give evidence at his trial. Martin Hurst, defending, said: "He either does not remember or continues to deny it." Reported by This is 15 hours ago.