A man has been jailed for decades after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in Bracknell.

Robert Frid, aged 77, of no fixed abode, was jailed at Reading Crown Court today (April 24) adding a further sentence to other unconnected sexual offences, for which the earliest he can be considered for parole is 2027.

Over 36 years since Frid committed the crime in 1986, Thames Valley Police’s Cold Case Team have brought him to justice.

Head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Investigation Review Team, which investigates unsolved homicides and serious sexual offences, Peter Beirne said: “This was a horrendous attack on a three-year-old girl, who was playing outside with friends when Robert Frid kidnapped her in Bracknell.

“Frid approached the girl, claiming that he needed help with his vehicle. When the girl followed Frid into his VW Camper Van, he drove off."

It has been documented that once the girl was in the campervan, Frid indecently assaulted her before asking her to exit the vehicle.

The girl was left alone and later found by a member of the public and taken home.

“Advances in forensic science enabled our team to reinvestigate the case," Peter Beirne continued.

"Frid was linked to the crimes when his DNA was found on the victim’s underwear.

"It is in excess of one billion times more likely that Frid had contributed to the DNA found on the victim’s underwear, than if he had not contributed to the DNA discovered."

Facing strong evidence in court, Frid pleaded guilty to the kidnap and indecent assault of the girl.

Peter Beirne added: "I’m pleased he will spend a considerable time behind bars, and after 37 years the victim now has justice."

“This is why my team come to work, to solve the most serious of historic crimes and secure justice for the victims and their families."

In a court hearing, Frid pleaded guilty to one count of kidnap and one count of indecent assault.

Frid has been jailed for ten years, which will be served consecutively to previous sentences.