THE VICTIM of a sexual assault some six years ago has been praised for her bravery after her attacker was jailed for six years following a trial at Worcester Crown Court.
Police chiefs hailed the courage of the woman after a 28-year-old Daniel Edwards, from Pershore, was found guilty on Friday (January 31) following a trial which lasted five days.
The assault took place in 2014 and was reported two years later in 2016.
Following up an investigation by Worcester CID, Edwards was brought to justice and speaking after the verdict Det Insp Tony Garner welcomed the sentence.
“The victim has shown incredible bravery in coming forward, and although there may be more tough times ahead, I hope this sentence will help her have a sense of closure,” he said.
“Investigating historic sexual offences, can be complex due to the nature of the investigation and I hope this conviction will encourage other victims of historic sexual offences to speak out in order to gain the justice they deserve.
“We want victims to know that they can contact police in complete confidence, we will treat their reports seriously, and this includes historic sexual offences.”
At the same trial, Edwards was found not guilty of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual assault and a sexual assault of a female 13 to 16 years old.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, recently or in the past, can call West Mercia Police on telephone 101 or the Victim Advice Line which is a free, independent and confidential support service.
Call 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk for more.
