A PAEDOPHILE who systematically raped and sexually abused a schoolgirl over a long period has been jailed for 15 years.

Peter Chitticks, 51, of Hornby Close, Westcliff, subjected the young girl to a sickening catalogue of rape and sexual assault between 1997 and 2003, starting when the victim was only nine.

The abuse only came to light when the young victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, plucked up courage to report it to police last year. At Basildon Crown Court, Deputy Circuit Judge Gareth Davies told Chitticks he had treated the victim as his "sex toy" and said he would have to serve at least half his sentence before he could be considered for parole.

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Det Con Rob Smallcombe said: "This was a protracted inquiry and one which was very traumatic for the victim.

"She not only had to hear evidence in court, but had to recall the events from her childhood herself as part of the prosecution case.

"She shares our delight that Peter Chitticks will be behind bars for a very long time."

Chitticks, a warehouse worker, was found guilty last week of seven counts of indecency with a child, four of rape and two of indecent assault.

He had denied all the allegations.

Chitticks, who had no previous convictions, will also remain on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life.