A DANGEROUS paedophile has been jailed for 18 years for sexually abusing and raping a boy as the victim is praised for his courage in speaking out.

Robert Hampton, aged 77, of Somers Court in Upper Howsell Road, Malvern was found guilty of seven counts including the rape of a boy under 13.

He was convicted of: one count of rape of a boy under 13; two counts of offender of any age causing/inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity-penetration; one count of attempted rape of a child under 13; three counts of assaulting a boy under 13 years of age by penetration with a part of his body/ a thing.

He was sentenced yesterday at Worcester Crown Court to 18 years in prison and one year on licence for his crimes committed between January 2007 and December 2018.

Malvern Gazette: RAPIST: Child rapist Robert Hampton of Malvern is now behind bars RAPIST: Child rapist Robert Hampton of Malvern is now behind bars (Image: West Mercia Police)

Detective Constable Hannah Croft, said: “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim and their family in this case. Without their courage, perseverance and tenacity, Hampton would not have been brought to justice.

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“Hampton is a dangerous individual and I’m glad his sentence reflects the heinous crimes he committed. I hope if anything positive is to come out of today is that it gives other victims the confidence to come forward and speak with the police”.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline confidentially on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Help and support is also available via the confidential Stop It Now helpline – part of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation with further details of this can be found on the Stop It Now website.