A man who sexually and physically abused his four-year-old stepdaughter has been jailed for 17 years.

The 31-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, bit her, leaving a full bite mark to her arm, and sexually assaulted her, causing serious internal injuries.

The man pleaded guilty to inflicting the bite at Cambridge Crown Court but denied the sexual assault.

He was found guilty of both offences following a two-week trial, during which the victim was cross examined and he opted not to give evidence.

He was arrested in August last year when her mother sought medical help for her daughter.

The victim was removed from her mother and placed into care, during which time she made disclosures about how her ‘Daddy’ had hurt her.

Detective Constable Juliet Heald said: “This was a difficult investigation due to the young age of the victim and the gross breach of trust involved.

“The offender showed no remorse whatsoever throughout his interviews, not even when he admitted to the bite mark.

“My thoughts are with the victim and her mother who should have been able to trust the offender. The sentence reflects the extreme level of force used and the serious injuries he caused.”