A detective has said he hopes the sentence meted out to a former Hereford teacher convicted of rape will be of some comfort to his victim.

Former teacher Michael Leydon, 61, raped a woman and then texted her blaming the attack on "drink, tablets and stress".

A judge at Worcester Crown Court today jailed him for six years and six months.

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Following the sentencing, Detective Constable David Hadley, of West Mercia Police (the force that covers Herefordshire) said: "The sentence reflects the severity of this type of crime and I hope it will offer some comfort to the victim, who has shown great courage and strength in coming forward in reporting this to us, throughout the investigation and in giving evidence in court.

"I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, giving them the confidence that they will be believed and listened to by specially trained officers and that we will do everything to bring offenders to justice.”

“If you are a victim of a sexual offence you can report it to police on 101 or via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or in an emergency dial 999.”

Following the sentencing the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she hopes “this case will provide other victims who find themselves in a similar position with the strength and confidence to speak to the police. And to reassure them that they will be believed and supported throughout.”