A senior policeman has welcomed the jail terms handed down to three evil men convicted of sexually abusing a young teenage girl.

Det Insp Pete Martin said he hoped the successful conclusion of the case would encourage more victims of sexual grooming to come forward.

The men — two from Keighley — were jailed for a total of 18 years for the “calculating and evil” sexual abuse of the girl.

Bradford Crown Court heard that the men saw the 14-year-old, who was running wild, as easy prey and plied her with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

Det Insp Martin — the senior investigating officer — said: “We are very pleased with the outcome following a very long and complex investigation.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim at the centre of this sickening crime.

“It took extreme courage for her to come forward and seek help after suffering abuse at the hands of a number of very calculating and evil men.

“The sentences go some way to redress the wrong which has been done, although the victim is still trying to come to terms with what has happened to her.

“We hope that the successful conclusion of this case will encourage more victims to come forward.

“Sexual grooming and internal trafficking is a heinous crime and can affect anyone, regardless of their background.

“We all need to be alert to the signs of grooming, it can happen to anyone. The warning signs include socialising with older men and the sudden appearance of gifts, such as jewellery, cigarettes, mobile phones and money.

“Also, staying away from home for days at a time and distancing themselves from family or their usual circle of friends.”