A PENSIONER'S 1980s “campaign of rape and abuse” against a schoolgirl nearly 30 years his junior caught up with him on Friday when he was jailed for 17 years.

Graham Barber, now 77, of Huddersfield, formerly of Anglesey, was found guilty by a Caernarfon crown court jury of five rape charges and a number of indecent assaults.

Judge Huw Rees told him it was persistent sexual abuse “to satisfy your perverted sexual lust.” The victim had given a “credible and compelling account of the sexual suffering she experienced.” Barber had sexually groomed her.

North Wales police investigating officer DC Shona Campbell said :“This is one of the worst cases of systematic grooming and child sexual abuse I have ever come across.

"Barber fully deserves his lengthy sentence as he finally faces the consequences of his appalling crimes. I would like to thank the victim for the courage shown in coming forward.I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to contact the police.”

An NSPCC Wales spokesman said: “Barber may have thought he had got away with his despicable crimes but justice has rightly caught up with him.

“Survivors of child sexual abuse should know that it doesn’t matter when they report what happened to them, they will be listened to and action taken.

“Abuse ruins childhoods and its effects can last long into adulthood. We hope the victim in this case is now receiving support to overcome what happened to her.”