A GIRL who was sexually assaulted has celebrated one of her 'happiest days' after a man admitted his crimes in a court.

Mohammed Ghulam Kibriya pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16 in Barrow when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

He admitted the offence at the start of what was due to be a two-day trial at the court.

The court was told the 53-year-old sexually assaulted the girl in mid-2019.

The defendant, of Birch Hall Lane in Manchester, is due to be sentenced at the crown court on December 8.

Following the hearing, the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said the case sent a message to others who had suffered similar abuse.

She described it as 'one of the happiest days' when he pleaded guilty following the 'longest, hardest and most difficult two years'.

"Court case after court case, phone calls, interviews, emails and letters - I have fought this until the very end," she said.

"This man stole so much from me and he has finally admitted to what he has done.

"Hopefully he will get the punishment that he really deserves.

"Thank you to everybody who has supported me through this, kept me going and made me believe I was brave enough to see this through right. To everyone that has believed me 100 per cent of the time - I couldn’t be more grateful.

"It’s been the longest journey ever but it’s made me so much stronger and finally I have won."

She warned others to be aware of sexual abuse and urged victims to come forward.

"For me this is over but for so many children it isn’t," she said.

"To anyone going through this I urge you to speak out, share your story and make everyone aware.

"To everyone, please be vigilant, when something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t - and I urge anyone in that position to get help and fight for the justice you deserve.

"I’m no longer a victim, I’m a survivor and if I’ve saved just one more person from going through what I have, this has all been worth it.

"I couldn’t be prouder of myself - finally this is over."

Victims of sexual assault and rape can seek support in south Cumbria from the Birchall Trust on 01229 820828.

Women's Community Matters can be reached on 01229 311102.