A paedophile from Stevenage has been handed six-year prison sentence, with police praising the "incredible bravery" of his victim.

Forbes Maxwell, 44, of Lomond Way, was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of sexual assault by penetration at St Albans Crown Court on November 14.

Forbes was sentenced to a total six years in prison with an extending licence, for sexual assault by penetration, as well as a four-year sentence running concurrently for four counts of sexual assault by touching, and a one-year sentence for another count of sexual assault by touching.

He is also subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed onto the sex offenders' register.

Sergeant Jean-Pascal Beecroft, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: "The victim has shown incredible bravery to report these offences to police.

"Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault and if you’ve been a victim please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.

"I hope this sentence will give the victim an opportunity to rebuild her life, safe in the knowledge that Maxwell will be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars."