A KIRKLEES man has been jailed for eight years after admitting causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

48-year-old Graham Andrews, of Kirkburton, denied exposing himself to a young girl when he first appeared in court last month.

However, he changed his plea when he heard her video interview, and was sentenced today.

The sexual offence took place in the Huddersfield area in February 2019.

Aside from his jail sentence, Andrews was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at the hearing.

The court heard he had previously been convicted of indecently exposing himself to a nine-year-old girl in Herefordshire in 2008, and was put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a five-year period.

Speaking after the sentencing, the officer in the case, Detective Constable Suzanne Clark, of the Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit, said: “Despite being a toddler, the victim was able to clearly describe in her video interview what Andrews had done.

“Her evidence proved crucial in bringing this prosecution and also her attacker changing his plea.

“It demonstrates that even if a victim is very young, their voice can be heard.

“I want to commend her bravery and we hope that her and her family can move forward knowing this man is safely behind bars.

“I also hope this case again demonstrates how seriously we take these offences and can pledge we will work with our partners to support anyone who makes a report of this nature.”