A MAN has been jailed for nearly 20 years after pleading guilty to "appalling" sexual assaults on a young child. 

David Gray, 50, from Batley was jailed for 18 years and eight months at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday after admitting two serious sexual assaults.

He pleaded guilty to the offending at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court in June and was remanded in custody for sentencing.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Natalie Green, of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said: “Gray clearly poses a significant danger to young children, and we welcome the strong sentence handed down by the court."

She said the "appalling offences" had affected the victim deeply.

DC Green praised the victim and their family "for their courage and strength during the investigation and for coming forward and speaking of the crimes committed by Gray". 

She added: “We continue to urge victims of sexual assault to come forward, no matter when the offending took place.”