A judge has praised the bravery of a young girl as he jailed her abuser for 14 years.

Bradford man Habib-Ur Rehman, 40, was told by Judge Colin Burn that he had abused the youngster, who must not be identified for legal reasons, in an atrocious way and the psychological damage done to her could be lifelong.

“I should say that (the complainant) showed, in my view, great bravery and fortitude in coming forward so soon after and at such a young age,” said Judge Burn.

Rehman, of Ransdale Road, off Manchester Road, Bradford, was found guilty by a jury of one charge of rape, two allegations of sexual activity with a child and one offence of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity following a trial at Bradford Crown Court last year.

Due to the nature of the offences Rehman was classed as “an offender of particular concern” which means that if he is released on licence after serving two-thirds of his 14-year jail term that licence would be extended by a further year.

Judge Burn said the complainant had suffered severe psychological harm and that was supported by a victim impact statement.

“The sentences therefore in this case have to reflect the seriousness of the offending,” the judge told Rehman.

“There can, of course, be no reduction to reflect any admissions or guilty pleas for there were none in this case.”

Rehman, who had no previous convictions for sexual offending, will now have to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.