A MAN who raped and assaulted a child has been put behind bars for 18-and-a-half years.

Edward Caldwell, 34, who was living in Melksham at the time of the incident and subsequently moved to Weymouth, was found guilty of raping a child under the age of 13, assaulting a child under the age of 13, inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of possessing indecent images of children at Swindon Crown Court. He was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

Specialist officers caught Caldwell after he downloaded and shared indecent images in November 2016. When he was arrested, officers seized his computer and tablet and discovered 3,700 category A to category C images and films.

Shortly before his arrest, his victim told a family member about what had happened, who then contacted the police.

PC Melonie Neal, from Wiltshire Police's child internet exploitation team, praised the young victim for her bravery in speaking up about the abuse.

She said: "This has been a very traumatic case for the victim and her family and I would like to personally thank them for their co-operation and bravery during this difficult investigation and trial.

"I welcome this sentence. I know that nothing will undo Caldwell's crimes but I hope this sentence will bring them some comfort that justice has been done.

"We would like to use this case as an opportunity to reach out to other people who have been the victim of sexual abuse and reassure them that Wiltshire Police takes these types of crimes incredibly seriously.

"We will listen to you and will give you the necessary support."

Anyone wanting to report sexual abuse can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or receive support from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Swindon on 0808 1680024.