Man jailed for string of sex offences against girl

Daniel Brundell pleaded guilty earlier this year

A man who sexually abused a girl has been jailed for nine years.

Daniel Brundell had been due to stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court in April on two charges of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two charges of inciting a girl between 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity, and one charge of sexual assault.

But the 60-year-old, of Lode Avenue, Upwell, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to the charges on the day of his trial, and he was sentenced on Monday.

Brundell carried out the abuse in Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Prosecutor Caroline Bradley said there was a strong element of grooming by Brundell, which took place between 2016 and 2018 and had begun when his victim was under-age.

"There was physical and psychological abuse," she said.

She told the court the victim recalled crying and trying to fight him off.

In an impact statement, the victim said she suffered with anxiety, which had been made worse by the abuse.

Representing Brundell, Steve Taylor told the court his client now accepted responsibility.

He said Brundell had severe problems with his bladder and kidneys and it was likely the defendant would need dialysis or a kidney transplant at some point in the future.

Passing sentence Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Brundell the impact his abuse had had on his victim was clear.

As well as being jailed, Brundell was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

He will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for life.

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