A man who handcuffed a child and held them at knifepoint during what has been described as “the most appalling and terrifying campaign of abuse” in the 1990s has been jailed for 18 years.

Stefan Farbrother raped and sexually abused the victim on a series of occasions between 1991 and 1997, causing a “catastrophic” impact on their life.

Concerns about Farbrother, 47, were reported to Kent Police in 2018 before he was arrested in June of the same year.

He was later charged with 13 offences including seven of rape and multiple indecent assaults, Kent Police said.

Farbrother – who previously lived in Sevenoaks, Kent, before moving to Halifax in West Yorkshire – denied any wrongdoing.

He was tried and unanimously convicted at a trial at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent last October.

On Monday, he was jailed for 18 years and was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Sergeant Adam Ferguson, who led the investigation against Farbrother, hailed the courage of the victim, who is given lifelong anonymity.

Speaking after the sentence was passed, DS Ferguson said: “Farbrother targeted the victim over a period of many years.

“He subjected them to the most appalling and terrifying campaign of abuse, using violence and threats which included restraining them with handcuffs and holding a knife to their throat.”

Read more on Sky News:
‘Major travel disruption’ as new storm hits UK
Millions in UK need to double income to escape poverty
Was Sir Keir Starmer briefed on latest Houthi strikes?

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

“I would like to thank the victim, who has been incredibly brave to come forward and give evidence,” DS Ferguson added.

“The abuse has had a catastrophic effect on much of their adult life, but I do hope they can now move forward from this knowing Farbrother will be serving a lengthy prison sentence.”

He urged anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward, adding: “It is never too late to report a sexual offence.

“You will be believed.”

Related posts:

Computerised image released to help identify body of woman found on beach Boy, 14, among four jailed for kicking father-of-two to death for his gold Rolex Police forces deal with record number of football-related incidents after Euro 2020 final Device to stem blood loss from knife wounds wins design award Harry Kane says he is ‘staying at Tottenham this summer’ ‘Please put your hands up’: Grieving sister appeals to soldier 50 years after Bloody Sunday Households asked to count how much plastic packaging they bin in a week NHS trust that gave out teabags to staff says gesture has been ‘taken out of context’ after backlash Spending more on military aid to Ukraine will cut energy bills, minister says Qatar government paid for Mark Drakeford to stay in five-star hotel during World Cup Man admits freezing leg of ringleader accused of filming castrations for ‘eunuch maker’ website ‘Jealous’ ex-boyfriend gets life for woman’s ‘barbaric’ murder in alleyway