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."

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"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."