Rapist jailed for two further offences after victim speaks out

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:07 · Archive

Edward Stimson, 22, was sentenced for two additional rapes after his victim came forward.

Edward Stimson, 22, was sentenced for two additional rapes committed in Letchworth Garden City. He was already serving 15 years for four rape convictions, and the new sentence will run consecutively.

The victim was 13 when the offences happened. She lived with the trauma for years before coming forward to support the police investigation and give evidence in court. After the verdict, she said: 'When the verdict came in it felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest and I can finally move on with my life.'

Investigator Alison Coutts, from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, praised her resilience. She said the victim 'showed remarkable resilience, confronting painful memories and overcoming fears that had prevented her from speaking about the abuse for many years'. Coutts added that the victim's 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'.

Hertfordshire residents affected by sexual abuse can contact Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre for support, including face-to-face help, sexual-health referrals and forensic medical examinations.

How it is being reported

• Convicted rapist jailed for two further rapes after teen victim speaks outA teenage girl says she feels “a weight has been lifted” after the man who raped her in Letchworth Garden City was sentenced.The Comet · 9 Oct, 17:12
• Convicted rapist jailed for two further rapes after teen victim speaks outA teenage girl says she feels “a weight has been lifted” after the man who raped her in Letchworth Garden City was sentenced.Herts Advertiser · 9 Oct, 17:12

In this story: Edward Stimson · Letchworth Garden City · Hertfordshire · Sexual Offences Investigation Team · Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre

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