A Norwich man has been jailed after being found guilty of a number of child sex offences, including rape, dating back more than two decades.

Mark Browning, 39, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment to serve a minimum of eight before being considered for parole after being convicted of two rapes and 15 counts of indecent assault.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was just six-years-old when the offending started in 1991.

It continued until 1996, when she was 11 and included being raped when she was eight and Browning, of Appleyard Crescent, Mile Cross, was 14.

Sentencing Browning at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday, May 25) Judge Stephen Holt said: 'You've utterly destroyed her life and childhood.'

Judge Holt said she started drinking at a young age 'to try and blot out what you were doing to her'.

Following his arrest by officers from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit in December 2016, a warrant was executed at his home address during which they seized a number of electronic devices.

The items were examined and a total of more than 10,000 indecent images, from Category A to C, were discovered on hard drives belonging to Browning.

He was subsequently charged in August 2017 with six counts of rape, 17 counts of indecent assault and three counts of possessing indecent images of children.

Browning pleaded guilty to the indecent image offences at a previous hearing, but denied rape and indecent assault.

Andrew Oliver, for Browning, said the defendant was 'still very young' when the offending took place.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Kim Taylor, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: 'Browning has shown absolutely no remorse at any stage of the investigation and prolonged the agony for the victim who had to endure a trial and listen to evidence.

'Hearing a victim's account of the abuse they were subjected to as a child over a number of years is always distressing and I'd like to commend the victim for showing immense bravery throughout the trial.

'This sentence highlights that we are committed to carrying out a full and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice no matter how long ago an offence or offences took place.

'We have dedicated officers who are specially trained to undertake difficult and emotive investigations on a daily basis. We would urge anyone who has been abused or sexually assaulted to come forward, safe in the knowledge that Norfolk Constabulary, together with our partners within child protection, will provide help and support, and do all we can to identify, charge and bring those responsible before the courts.'

Browning was also placed on the Sex Offender's Register indefinitely.