A pervert carried out a sickening catalogue of abuse on a girl which started in her childhood and continued into her adult life.
Robert Price, 56, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced for the historic offences, which started in 1982 and continued for many years.
In an impact statement read out in court, the victim - who is now an adult - said Price had "taken away my innocence."
She added that she continued to suffer to this day, with suicidal thoughts and being diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in 2018. She was also still in fear of Price.
In total Price was convicted of 18 separate offences - two of indecency with a child, 12 of indecent assault, two of rape of a girl under 13 years, and two of rape.
The majority of the offences occurred in the south Liverpool area. The complainant only plucked up the courage to finally report Price to police in 2015.
In his summing up, Judge Gary Woodhall said Price, of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, had forced the victim and her family to give evidence in two separate trials.
He told him: "When you started abusing her, you threatened her by saying if she told anyone she'd get into trouble.
"There were elements of grooming. The victim was made to feel what was happening was normal.
"The psychological effect of your controlling, violent, and bullying behaviour on the victim has been severe."
Price was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment, of which he must serve half before being considered for parole. He would also have an extended licence period of one year following his release.
Price showed no emotion as he was led away from the dock.
