A 64-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he was found guilty of rape and sexual penetration without consent.

Joseph Raymond Lloyd assaulted a vulnerable 16-year-old girl in Snow Hill car park in February 2022.

Lloyd led her there by holding her hand before he kissed her lips and took her behind a van where the assault happened.

He was charged in November 2022 after, what police say, was an 'intensive' investigation.

 Detecive Constable Carla Garnier says the victim has shown 'incrediable courage' through the trial.

"The victim was completely traumatised by these events.

She has been supported by specially trained officers, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and the Intermediary Service throughout the investigation. We hope this sentence gives her some sort of closure and that she can start to rebuild her life and begin to heal."

Lloyd has been placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.