A teenage girl has been praised for her extraordinary courage after addressing the court directly and confronting the man who sexually assaulted her, moments before he was sentenced to prison.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, chose to read a personal statement in court describing the lasting impact the attack has had on her life. Speaking calmly but firmly, she told the court that she refused to allow fear, shame or intimidation to define her future.

Those present in the courtroom described a tense and emotional atmosphere as the teenager spoke directly to the offender, explaining how the assault affected her confidence, her mental health and her ability to feel safe in everyday situations.

The judge told the defendant that the victim’s statement made clear the deep and long-term harm caused by his actions, adding that the sentence reflected both the seriousness of the offence and the lasting trauma suffered by the victim.

The offender was jailed for a term which the court said was intended to protect the public and mark the gravity of the crime.

Prosecutors said the young victim had shown exceptional bravery throughout the investigation and court process, from reporting the assault to giving evidence and facing the man responsible. They stressed that her willingness to come forward played a central role in securing the conviction.

Support services working with victims of sexual violence said the case highlights the importance of ensuring survivors are treated with dignity and are given clear access to specialist support at every stage of the justice process.