THE BRAVERY of the victim who was forced to re-live the trauma she was subjected to at the hands of 'predator' Daniel Kilbee during his trial has been praised.

Kilbee was jailed for life yesterday at Oxford Crown Court after he groomed a school girl before subjecting her to a gang rape in order to pay off a drugs debt.

It is the second life sentence handed to the 38-year-old rapist following a horrific string of sex crimes spanning 18 years, including the abuse of a two year old.

JAILED: Daniel Kilbee who gang-raped girl at Sutton Courtenay

Kilbee had denied four counts of rape, one of assault by penetration and another of sexual assault but jurors found him unanimously guilty on all counts in June following an eight-day trial.

Thames Valley Police has spoken out to praise the bravery and strength of the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, throughout the trial.

Detective Constable Josephine Cassidy of Force CID in Oxford, said: "She has been through a trauma, which she's had to re-live during this court process.

"It is thanks to her bravery that Kilbee has been brought to justice for his crimes.

"I hope this sentence helps in some way to begin the healing process.

"This was an awful crime, Kilbee groomed the victim and took advantage of a young girl.

"He now has two life sentences for crimes relating to sexual offences and this sentence means he will have to spend at least 15 years' in prison.

READ AGAIN: Brave victims praised for courage throughout distressing case.

"Thames Valley Police will always investigate this type of offence and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a crime such as this to come forward, no matter how long ago the crime took place.

"You will be listened to, supported and we will look to bring offenders to justice whenever possible."