POLICE have praised the young victim of a Woodley dance company owner who sexually assaulted her.

Richard Still, director of Vibez Dance Ballroom and Latin School, pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on Monday (November 13) to four sexual offences against a child.

The 38-year-old dance champion admitted to asking a girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to send him images that were sexual or erotic in nature in exchange for payments into her bank account.

READ MORE: Woodley dance teacher Richard Still admits sexual activity with child

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rivkah Winetroube, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, has since released a statement praising the victim for being 'brave' in reporting the incident.

He said: “The child in this case has been very brave in coming forward and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse to report it to the police.

“We always take allegations of this nature seriously, regardless of how much time has passed and a full investigation will take place.

READ MORE: Reading drug dealer imprisoned for almost five years

"Wherever there is sufficient evidence we will seek to bring offenders to justice.”

Still is due to be sentenced on December 19. He remains on conditional bail.