Anthony Lewis 40

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A man who raped a woman and then went on to sexually abuse a young girl has been jailed for 12 years and six months. The rape victim said no court sentence could heal the hurt she had suffered.

In a statement read to Cardiff Crown Court the woman raped by 40-year-old Anthony Lewis said he had preyed on her during a vulnerable time in her life and that after going through what she did she is determined to help others "to face their abusers and find a voice".

Lewis, of Rectory Road, Barry, was convicted at trial of one count of rape of an adult, six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 touching the girl's breasts and genitals and one count of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity by asking her to touch his penis. He has one previous conviction for motoring matters.

In a statement read to the court the victim of the rape said it was hard to put into words the damage Lewis had done to her. She said the defendant had left her fearful of going shopping or even going for a walk. Although she thanked those who helped bring about the conviction she said no court sentence could heal the hurt she had suffered.

Byron Broadstock, for Lewis, said the defendant was struggling to come to terms with the verdicts of the jury. Recorder Carl Harrison sentenced Lewis to 12 years and six months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order indefinitely.