DETECTIVES investigating the horrific Gheluvelt Park attack paid tribute to the "strength" Bawden's victim had shown since her ordeal.
"This was a particularly evil and vicious sexual assault. A dangerous man has been brought to justice and, hopefully, the sentence will reflect the seriousness of the case," Det Sgt Andy Price, of Worcester CID, said after yesterday's verdict.
"Out thoughts are with the vic-tim, her family and friends. Her strength is a trib-ute to her and we hope she'll now be able to begin the process of putting such a terrifying ordeal behind her and rebuilding her life."
A 20-strong team of officers worked on the case last August.
Dog-handlers scoured the Barbourne park for clues, while extensive house-to-house inquiries were carried out over a number of days.
A description of a man seen in the area at the time was released early in the hunt. Bawden was arrested three days after the attack.
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