A 69-year-old man who played depraved sex games with a young girl more than 30 years ago has been jailed for five years.

Andrew Armstrong blindfolded his victim to repeatedly abuse her, telling her it was “our little secret”, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Armstrong, of Walton Street, Sutton-in-Craven, pleaded guilty to 11 offences of indecent assault and indecency with a child.

He was labelled “depraved and perverted” by Judge John Potter who said he degraded his victim for his own sexual gratification.

“I publicly commend her fortitude and bravery,” the judge said.

Prosecutor Sarah Mallett said Armstrong played wrestling and touching games with the child. He grabbed her breasts and used a sex toy on her.

When she resisted his advances, he called her a rude name, Miss Mallet said.

The girl told a church minister about the abuse and he confronted the defendant.

But she did not inform the police until earlier this year. Armstrong was arrested and immediately owned up to abusing the woman when she was a girl.

Armstrong’s solicitor advocate, Nigel Jamieson, said he had not committed any criminal offences in the 30 years since he abused the girl.

He was suffering from cancer but not seeking any further treatment.

“He doesn’t really care whether his health improves or not, whether he lives or dies,” Mr Jamieson said.

Judge Potter said it was systematic sexual abuse, involving planning and manipulation, over a number of years.

Armstrong forced the girl to wear a hood or a blindfold during his depraved sex games.

“This is a catalogue of grave and serious offending,” the judge said.

Armstrong sought to control the girl and had done her long lasting psychological harm.

Judge Potter made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning Armstrong from contacting his victim and safeguarding young girls from him in the future.