A rapist from Stevenage has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of non-recent rape and sexual assault offences.

James Simpson, of Colts Corner, was sentenced on Thursday (May 25) following a nine-day trial at St Albans Crown Court.

The 38-year-old had been charged with three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

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The incidents took place between January 2015 and December 2019.

On the first day of his trial, Simpson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by penetration, having pleaded not guilty to all counts at a previous hearing.

Following the trial, he was convicted of one count of rape and acquitted on all further charges.

Simpson must serve at least two thirds of his eight-year sentence.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders register until a further order is made, with a 10-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.

                                                                                                         

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Detective Constable Sam Hunt said: "I would like to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and for the dignity she has shown throughout the trial.

"I hope this court result will give her some closure and allow her to move forward with her life.”

Information regarding sexual assault offences can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.