A disgraced Norfolk solicitor convicted of a string of sex offences has been jailed for 11 years.Michael Hynes appeared for sentencing before Norwich Crown Court today after earlier being found guilty of rape, sexual activity with a child and assault.

A disgraced Norfolk solicitor convicted of a string of sex offences has been jailed for 11 years.

Michael Hynes appeared for sentencing before Norwich Crown Court today after earlier being found guilty of rape, sexual activity with a child and assault.

The 46-year-old of Upper Street, Salhouse, offered no mitigation. His victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was not in court to witness the sentencing.

Judge Paul Downes said: “You have no previous convictiction and something of a sparkling educational career.

“But this was a catalogue of offences over a long period of time towards somebody whom you owed a trust.”

The court heard how the crimes only came to light when the girl was admitted to the Priory suffering from depression.

Hynes worked in commercial property law for internationally renowned London-based firm Simmons and Simmons before moving to Norfolk with Mills and Reeve and most recently with Howes Percival.