A Croydon man who admitted raping a girl under 13 years old multiple times has been jailed.

64-year-old Adeyinka Oluwaseyi Ajose was sentenced to 18 years in jail at the conclusion of a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday (June 17).

He was convicted of four counts of the rape of a female child under 13, one count of the sexual assault of a female child under 13 and one count of assault/ ill treatment of a child.

Ajose previously pleaded guilty to the offences at the same court on April 29.

Police arrested Ajose after they were called to an address in Addington on November 10 last year.

On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who alleged several counts of sexual abuse, committed by Ajose over several months.

The victim was under 13-years-old at the time the offences took place and was known to Ajose.

Your Local Guardian: Adeyinka Oluwaseyi Ajose. Image: Met PoliceAdeyinka Oluwaseyi Ajose. Image: Met Police

He was taken into custody a day later and formally charged on November 13.

Detective Constable Matthew Amos, the investigating officer, said: "Those that abuse the trust of the most vulnerable in our society are some of the most insidious offenders. The offences committed by Ajose are truly shocking and the sentence he has received reflects this.

"If the victim had not had the courage to come forward, Ajose's campaign of abuse may well have continued. I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or who knows anything about it, to come forward to police. We have specially trained officers who will listen to and support you.

"The trauma that victims suffer can last a lifetime and impacts all those around them. I hope that the sentence given will go some way to bringing the victim and her family justice, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.

"I would also like to thank the victim for her bravery and support throughout this investigation."