A MAN who sexually assaulted a girl in Rhyl in the late 2000s has been jailed.

Roger Steele, 49, of Washington Street, Kidderminster but formerly of Kinmel Bay, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court today (April 10).

He was convicted after trial of assault by penetration.

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Prosecuting, Paulinus Barnes told the court that Steele sexually assaulted the girl some time between December of 2007 and of 2008.

Steele had told her to “relax” and that “it’s meant to be nice”.

He took her mobile phone from her, and after she tried to force him off her, Steele grabbed her and pushed her to the floor.

After she told him what he had done was wrong, he threatened her, and said there was “no evidence” of what he had done to her.

The girl later disclosed to a relative what Steele had done to her, which led to police being informed.

In a statement, she said Steele’s actions caused her to become “introverted” and to suffer from night terrors.

She also praised the “invaluable” help of her victim support worker, and said that, since disclosing Steele’s offence, “a weight has been lifted from my shoulders”.

The victim added: “This crime has affected my life in many ways since it happened. It still impacts on my life.”

Defending Steele, who had four previous convictions for five offences including sexual activity with a child, Edmund Potts said his client is “determined to work on himself and do what is asked and expected of him”.

Sentencing, Judge Nicola Saffman imposed an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting Steele from contacting his victim in any way whatsoever.

No sexual harm prevention order was made as Steele had already been made subject to such an order indefinitely.

Judge Saffman told him: “This offence has had a significant impact on her life. She’s still impacted.

“I cannot find any mitigating features which would assist you.”

After Steele's sentencing, North Wales Police's investigating officer, Sergeant Ray Elliott, said: “Steele is a dangerous predator who preyed on a young vulnerable child and their vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification.

“He used threats of violence and fear to intimidate his victim into not reporting for many years.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to applaud the bravery of the victim in coming forward after so many years of suffering in silence.

“I hope this encourages other victims and gives them confidence that North Wales Police will endeavour to investigate and bring offenders to justice and protect the most vulnerable in our societies.”