A 70-year-old man has been jailed for raping a seven-year-old girl more than 40 years ago, with police stating he may have abused others.
Alan Pearce was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Leeds Crown Court after being found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting the child between 1983 and 1985. The woman reported the offences in 2021, leading to an investigation by Kirklees child safeguarding detectives, who brought charges against Pearce in 2024.
Det Sgt Paul Campbell, from West Yorkshire Police, said investigations suggested there could be other victims. He urged them to contact specially-trained officers for support.
Pearce, from Heckmondwike, will serve an additional year on licence following his release and is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.