A MAN who sexually assaulted a young girl more than a dozen times has been put behind bars.

Lee Joyner, of Bryn Estyn Road in Wrexham, appeared for sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday.

The 45-year-old had been found guilty after trial of four counts of sexual assault and one of inciting a child to engage in a sexual act.

Myles Wilson, prosecuting, told the court that the sexual offence charges encapsulated numerous incidents - some 15 occasions in all - committed against one female child.

The victim attended court to read her impact statement in person.

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She told the hearing: "I can honestly say what [Joyner] did to me wrecked my childhood.

"Because of what he has done, I don't feel I can move on.

"I now have issues trusting men and generally find it very hard to form relationships.

"I have problems sleeping and suffer flashbacks."

Debra White, defending, told the court: "He falls to be sentenced having been found guilty after trial.

"As such, there's nothing I will say on his behalf regarding the facts of this offending.

"Whilst he does have previous convictions, he is someone who is lightly convicted and has no offences of a similar nature in his record.

"He has led a relatively law-abiding life, he's worked hard and has served his country.

"It's clear this is a man who has physical and psychological issues.

"Mr Joyner understands he has to be sentenced today."

Judge Timothy Petts told Joyner: "What you have done has had a profound and lasting impact on her.

The Leader:

"This is a very serious case.

"At this stage, you don't accept your guilt - let alone show any remorse."

The Judge jailed Joyner for seven years and three months.

He was made subject to the notification provisions as a sex offender for life - and a 15-year sexual harm prevention order.

A lifetime restraining order was put in place to prohibit Joyner from contacting or approaching the victim.