A child rapist has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of a string of sexual offences.

Julian Whiting, of Market Square, St Neots, was found guilty after a trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

The 52 year old was sentenced on Friday (November 7) and ordered to serve 18 years for raping a child aged under 13.

He also received a four-year sentence for sexual assault of a child and another four years for inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Whiting was also convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, for which he received a further three years. Each sentence is to be served concurrently.

The charges related to offences which happened between 2007 and 2011.

Detective Constable Karen Lunn, who led the investigation, said: “We are very pleased with the result which reflects the serious nature of the crimes inflicted on the victim over a number of years.

“We are committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community and bringing offenders of the horrific crimes to justice.”