POLICE have thanked a 'brave' 12-year-old girl for coming forward after being sexually assaulted by a Frome taxi driver last year.

Wayne Gainey, aged 38, from Christchurch Street East, Frome, was jailed for six years and four months at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (August 6) after pleading guilty to sexual assault at an earlier hearing in July.

The court heard that, on June 4 last year, Gainey picked up his victim from school and during the journey home stopped the car and sexually assaulted her in the vehicle before then taking her to her Trowbridge home.

Following the sentence yesterday, Wiltshire Police's Detective Constable Amy Smith, who led the investigation, said: "This is a disturbing case of a young girl being sexually assaulted by Gainey who was trusted to collect her from school and take her home safely.

"Instead he used his position to abuse her. I welcome the sentencing as it reflects the seriousness of this case.

"I want to thank the victim for being brave enough to come forward and report it in the first place - I hope this can give her some closure so she can get on with her life.

"I want to assure any victim of sexual assault that we will take every case seriously and investigate thoroughly; I would encourage anyone who's been a victim - whether recently or not to report it to us."

To report sexual abuse please phone police on 101 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary - they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 0808 168 0024.