The victim reported the abuse after more than two decades.

A paedophile has been jailed for historic sexual abuse of a young girl that happened more than 25 years ago. Shahid Hussain, 60, abused the victim at an address in Peterborough between 2000 and 2002, starting when she was just seven years old.

The victim decided to report the abuse to the police more than two decades later when she reached her 30s. Hussain was interviewed by officers in April 2023, but denied any wrongdoing and claimed the allegations had been “made up to get at him”.

After a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in November last year, he was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14. On Friday, March 27, Hussain, of Field Avenue, Oxford, was sentenced to four years in prison. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

DC Harley Smart, who investigated, said: “First and foremost, I want to recognise the victim’s incredible courage in coming forward after so many years. It takes immense strength to report childhood abuse, and her bravery has ensured Hussain has finally been held accountable for what he did.

“Hussain denied the offences throughout and showed no remorse, but the jury saw through his attempts to avoid responsibility. This sentence sends a clear message that such abuse will not be tolerated. I hope this result provides the victim with some sense of closure and reassurance as she continues to move forward with her life.

“No matter how much time has passed, we will always listen, investigate thoroughly, and seek justice for survivors of sexual abuse.”

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