This story has been corrected: Martin Else was acquitted by a jury at a previous hearing of a charge of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 in Swadlincote last year having pleaded not guilty. We previously stated that he had been convicted of this offence and this is not the case. We are happy to set the record straight.

Police have praised the bravery of a victim of a paedophile as he was today beginning a seven-year jail sentence.

Martin Else, 56, of Lichfield Avenue, in Midway, was found guilty during a trial at Derby Crown Court of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Else, had been acquitted at a previous hearing of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 in Swadlincote last year.

He appeared yesterday, Monday, March 19, to be sentenced.

After the case, police praised Else’s victim and said they hope that her bravery would encourage other victims of abuse to come forward.

Detective Constable Simon Blood, of Derbyshire Police, said: "The victim in this case is a young girl who came forward and spoke about what happened to her.

"From the moment she did so, she was fully supported - not only by Derbyshire Constabulary – but by a number of other organisations with her best interest at heart.

"The victim was listened to, believed, showed great bravery and maturity in giving evidence to the court and – ultimately – the truth came out and an appropriate sentence was passed.

"She has my respect and admiration – and I hope this case gives other young victims the confidence to come forward and report abuse."

The victim’s age and identity can’t be revealed due to having lifelong anonymity as a juvenile victim of crime.

A spokesman for the NSPCC which seeks to protect children from all types of abuse, said: "The immense bravery of Martin Else’s victim in speaking out has helped ensure he has been brought to justice for these appalling crimes.

"It is vital she now gets the necessary support to help her attempt to move forward with her life.

"This case shows that abuse victims will be listened to. Childline is there for young people, 24/7, on 0800 1111, while adult survivors of child abuse can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000."