A convicted rapist has been handed an additional two-and-a-half-year prison sentence after a woman came forward to report being sexually abused as a child in Letchworth Garden City.

Edward Stimson, 22, was already serving a 15-year prison sentence for four counts of rape committed in 2019 when he was sentenced for two further counts of rape.

The latest sentence of two years and six months will run consecutively to his existing jail term.

The court heard that the victim was just 13 years old when she was raped in Letchworth Garden City.

Four years after the abuse, she found the courage to report what had happened and support a police investigation, despite the trauma she had experienced.

Her evidence helped secure Stimson's conviction and subsequent sentencing.

Speaking after the verdict, the victim said: "When the verdict came in it felt like a weight has been lifted off my chest and I can finally move on with my life."

Investigator Alison Coutts, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Sexual Offences Investigation Team, praised the victim's courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

She said: "Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, the victim-survivor showed remarkable resilience, confronting painful memories and overcoming fears that had prevented her from speaking about the abuse for many years."

Investigator Coutts added: "The courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been extraordinary. Speaking about abuse can be incredibly difficult.

"By coming forward, supporting the investigation and giving evidence in court, she has shown immense strength and determination.

"We hope her courage reassures others that they are not alone and that support is available whenever they feel ready to speak to someone, even if it happened a long time ago."

Police are encouraging anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, including incidents that happened many years ago, to seek support when they feel ready.

Anyone in Hitchin, Letchworth or elsewhere in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Hertfordshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

The service offers practical and emotional support, including face-to-face appointments, sexual health referrals and forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

Support is available regardless of whether someone has reported the abuse to police.

For more information, call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.hertssarc.org⁠.