Child rapist jailed for 18 years

Karim Stuart, 57, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after admitting to raping a young girl under the age of 13.

The mother of the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke to The News about the impact the abuse has had on her family.

"I'm glad it's over, but I will never ever get over what he's done," she said. "It's a scar for life for me. I hope my daughter forgets it, but I doubt she will. She understands what's happened."

Stuart, of Earlsdon Street, Southsea, initially denied the charges, but after watching his victim's prerecorded testimony at Portsmouth Crown Court, he admitted his guilt.

The victim, who broke down on a train and told her mother about the abuse in February, displayed immense courage in coming forward, according to Detective Constable Marie Duffy.

Det Con Duffy said: "I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to come forward about these horrendous crimes and hope that today's sentence will help give her some closure, so that she can move on with her life."

"It is because of her courage that the offender now faces a long prison sentence. This sentence serves as a reminder of the seriousness of these offences. We will always strive to bring offenders to justice; if you've been a victim or know someone who has, please call police on 101."