A paedophile has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl in a “horrific reign of abuse”.

Brijeshkumar Barot, of The Broadway, Harrow, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, June 14.

The 37-year-old was arrested in July 2015 after the girl and her family reported the abuse to police.

During the investigation, extreme pornographic material relating to animals was discovered on Barot's phone.

He was then charged with these offences, along with the rape and sexual assault of the girl.

Barot pleaded guilty in January this year to possession of extreme pornographic material and then on Monday, May 8, he also pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Janine Stevenson of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: “Barot is a predatory sex offender who manipulated his time with a child to carry out a horrific reign of abuse.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the victim and her family who have shown immense bravery in coming to police and supporting this prosecution.

“I would also like to thank the network of professionals who are on hand to support victims and their families through such ordeals."

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence is advised to contact police on 101.