A Coalville man who sexually abused a young girl more than 30 years ago has been given a five-year sentence for his crimes.

Brian Costelow, 62, of Haslyn Walk, was convicted on Thursday of two counts of indecent assault following a trial at Leicester Crown Court and subsequently sentenced.

The abuse happened between 1982 and 1985 – when the young victim was aged between just five and eight.

In 2017, she began to suffer with anxiety and disclosed the abuse to a counsellor. The matter was then reported to police and an investigation began.

Detective Constable Rachel Donaghey, the investigating officer, said: "Costelow made threats to his young victim, telling her he would hurt her if she told anyone about what he'd done.

"But as she grew older, she realised what he had been doing wasn't right and in 2017 reported matters to police.

"She has shown great bravery in recalling the abuse she suffered at the hands of Costelow, which has helped result in his conviction.

"He is now facing a prison sentence where I hope he will take time to reflect on the severity of his crimes."

Costelow was found not guilty of three further counts of indecent assault.

Leicestershire Police say there are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

• Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting Leicestershire Police