A former Kent police officer has been jailed for rape and other serious sexual offences against a young girl.

David Connolly abused his victim who was under the age of 15 between 1998 and 2000 while serving as a Kent Police officer.

The allegations were reported to Sussex Police in August 2020 and an investigation was launched, at which point Connolly had retired from policing.

His offending was not linked to his role in the force, police say.

The 61-year-old was arrested and charged in January 2024 with three counts of rape of a girl under 16, two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 and six counts of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 16.

He was found guilty of rape of a girl under 16; two counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16 and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 at Brighton Crown Court in the following October.

Connolly, of Norwood Hill Road in Charlwood, Surrey, was sentenced at the same court to 11 years in prison last week.

Detective Constable Katrina Davies, of Sussex Police, said: “David Connolly subjected a young girl to repeated, appalling sexual abuse.

“The victim has had to grow up with the trauma of that abuse, which makes her bravery in reporting Connolly to the police all the more remarkable.

“I would like to thank her for her courage and strength throughout this process. Thanks to her, an extremely disturbing individual is now safely behind bars.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour, of Sussex Police, added: “We want victims of sexual offences to feel confident reporting to Sussex Police, knowing they will be supported and that we will do all we can to get them justice.

“That is why we have focused so heavily on improving the quality of rape investigations and supporting victims through what we know is an extremely challenging time.

“No matter how long ago a crime took place, please report it to us. We will listen to you and we will work tirelessly to get the positive outcome you deserve.”