A man has been sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of sexual offences against a child.

David Carter, 60, of Hawkwood Crescent, St John's, was sentenced on Friday 4 March at Worcester Crown Court, but he denied the non-recent offences, which included rape.

A jury at Worcester Crown Court disagreed with his pleas, finding him guilty of all 17 counts.

As well as his prison sentence Carter will be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for life.

Det Con Sarah Wood, who led the investigation, said: "This is a really good result for us and for the victim, who came forward to give evidence against her abuser.

"I would like to commend her for her bravery in doing so and hope that this will serve as encouragement to other victims of sexual abuse to come forward. We will believe you and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice, no matter how long ago the offences took place.

"Let this also be a warning to sexual abusers, that time does not diminish guilt and we will prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences against vulnerable children or adults."

The full list of counts against Carter are as follows:

  • Count 1 - Indecent assault on a girl under 14.
  • Counts 2,3,4 - Sexual intercourse with a girl under 14.
  • Count 5 - Gross indecency with a child (girl) under 14.
  • Counts 6,7,8,9 - Rape of a female under 16.
  • Counts 10,11 and 12 - Rape of a female aged 16 or over.
  • Counts 13,14,15,16,17 - Indecent assault on a girl under 14.