A Herefordshire paedophile has been jailed for historical child sexual abuse.

Carl Higgins aged 30 of Widemarsh Street in Hereford was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday 5 September after he was found guilty of rape of a child, three sexual assaults and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences took place between 2014 and 2017.

Higgins was sentenced to nine and a half years for the offences, and  in addition to his custodial sentence, he has also been issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order.

 Detective Constable Fiona Pearson said “This sentence demonstrates that the police and courts will strive to remove harmful predators from society and bring some form of justice.

“Thanks to the victim’s bravery and courage Higgins will serve a lengthy sentence. We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to come forward to speak with the police. We have specially trained officers, who can support throughout the process and we work with a number of agencies who can also support.”