A man who raped a girl almost thirty years ago has been jailed for six years as victim is commended for her ‘bravery’.

Steven Monk-Dalton, aged 56, who used to reside in Barrow but more recently lived in Ibiza, Spain, was jailed on October 10, after a jury found him guilty of a rape committed in the nineties.

After a four-day trial it took the jury just two hours to come to a unanimous decision.

A judge at Preston Crown Court sentenced him to six years in prison. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The incident took place in August 1996 in Barrow and involved one girl.

Investigating Officer DC Kate Edkins said: “I’d like to commend the victim in this case, now a woman, for her resilience during the entire investigation. Her bravery has shown that offenders of crimes as serious as this can still be brought to justice, no matter how much time has passed.

“Cumbria Police are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse to contact police so our officers can investigate. You can speak with specialist officers with confidence and will be supported throughout any investigation.”

To report a crime, you can do so via the Cumbria Police website or you can call on 101.

If you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, please contact The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s 24/7 free helpline on 0330 2230 099.

A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here.