A YOUNG victim of sexual assault hopes her experience and seeing the perpetrator of crimes against her put behind bars will help to encourage other potential victims to seek help.

Lee Joyner, of Bryn Estyn Road in Wrexham, appeared for sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday - and was jailed for seven years and three months.

It came after 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.

Now the young victim and her mum, from North Wales, have urged others who have been subjected to sexual abuse to reach out for help.

The girl said she wanted to help give others the courage to speak to someone about their concerns - whether that be a parent, a friend, a teacher or someone else they trust.

She encouraged other potential victims to think about the fact that "if you don't think something's ok, it's not ok."

Her mum told the Leader: "We had a sense of relief on Friday, because all of that waiting was finished.

"My daughter thought she was going to get some closure from it - she is struggling a bit. It will always be with her but I hope now she can rebuild her life and move on.

"I thought he (Joyner) was going to get more, but I am glad he did get something."

The mum said while the sentencing hearing had given her some closure, it had also been immensely difficult to hear the facts of the case as outlined by the prosecution.

She said: "It was the first time I'd heard what had gone on, sitting there in court.

"That was hard to hear. I was very proud of my daughter for going up and reading her impact statement.

"We as a family never had any doubt in her. But it was a relief for her and us knowing that the jury, who didn't know her, had listened to her and believed her.

"That was a big thing for her, and she hopes it will give other people who are going through this the confidence and the knowledge that they will be supported."

On her message to other parents, the mum said: "If you think to yourself that something has happened, ask your child.

"My daughter denied it to me at first, and I said to her - if you ever want to, speak to me. You can tell me.

"I'd say to any parent; make sure you let your child know if they have anything to say, they will be believed."

Lee Joyner 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 him from contacting or approaching the victim.