'Predatory' man jailed for repeatedly raping child

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A "predatory" man who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a child has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Shaul Samson, 32, from Evesham, Worcestershire, was convicted of multiple sexual offences including three counts of raping a child aged under 13 and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

His offences, which took place over an 18-month period, were reported to police in October after the victim revealed the abuse to a third party, West Mercia Police said.

Samson, of HMP Hewell, was found guilty following a trial at Worcester Crown Court in May and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Police said he was arrested on 10 October and a search of his home address discovering numerous sex toys, bondage items, lube and condoms.

A digital examination of Samson 's phone revealed he had sent sexual messages to his victim and showed them explicit images and videos of other children, as well as videos of himself having sex with adults.

Det Con Susie Woolf said his "disgusting predatory behaviour" had had a "terrible impact" on his victim.

"We hope this will feel like some sense of some justice for his victim and we would like to praise them for their bravery and courage in reporting his vile offending," she added.

Samson was also found guilty of offences including four charges of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, four of causing a child to watch a sexual act and one count of attempting to rape a child under 13.

At his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the 32-year-old was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Details of help and support with sexual abuse or violence are available at BBC Action Line.

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