A man has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault on a child. 

Stephen Harrison, 40, of Barrington Road, Salisbury appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Tuesday (September 5). 

During a previous hearing, he had pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child under the age of 13 and of attempted rape. These offences occurred on various dates between 2015 and 2020. 

Detective Constable Dawn Rowan said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim in this case who has shown bravery and courage well beyond her years in reporting this to police and ensuring this dangerous man is put behind bars.

“Harrison has shown little remorse for his despicable actions, continuing to lie through numerous police interviews before eventually pleading guilty in court.

“I am pleased that we were able to secure this conviction and see Harrison sentenced.

“We are committed to targeting individuals who commit such abhorrent crimes, regardless of how much time has passed since."

Any concerns can be reported to the police on 101.