A paedophile has been jailed after being found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a child under 13.

Frank Mooney - of Bletchley, Milton Keynes - was sentenced to 19 years in prison, at St Albans Crown Court on March 2.

The 36-year-old has been added to the sex offenders’ register and must abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Mooney was found guilty of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two charges of sexual assault.

He was sentenced to 16 years for these crimes. 

Mooney was given another three years after he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, common assault and possession of a knife during an incident on July 23, 2022.

He had originally been arrested and charged in May 2022, after Hertfordshire police received reports of sexual offences against a child.

Whilst on bail, the individual attended an address in Borehamwood, where an altercation ensued between himself, a man and a woman.

During this incident, Mooney punched the man and stabbed him in the shoulder.

His victim's injuries were not life theatening.

Herts Advertiser: Mooney was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (March 2).Mooney was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (March 2). (Image: Danny Loo)

DC Jacqueline Oliver said: "The bravery of the victim and her family has assisted in sending a dangerous offender to jail for many years.

“I hope this result can provide them with some sense of closure, having seen her abuser brought to justice.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to stress that we take all reports of abuse seriously.

“We are here to hold offenders to account and will always support the victim throughout the investigative process.”

The Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can be contacted by calling 0808 178 4448, emailing Herts.SARC@nhs.net or visiting www.hertssarc.org.

Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report or by calling non-emergency number 101.

Anonymous information can be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.