Man jailed for 27 years over child rape in 1980s

A man has been jailed for 27 years after being found guilty of raping a child and sexually assaulting another teenage girl in Solihull during the 1980s.

Paul Aymes, 68, from Melrose Walk, Basingstoke, was convicted of one count of rape and seven counts of sexual assault following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Det Con Andrew Jones, from West Midlands Police's Major Crime Team, described Aymes as a "sexual predator".

Jones thanked the victims for coming forward and said he hoped their bravery would encourage other survivors of rape and sexual assault to report offences.

He said: "Aymes now faces years behind bars where he can reflect on what he has done and the harm he has caused.

"The women who came forward to report what happened to them showed such bravery throughout the court process.

"The offences may have taken place in the 1980s and he may have thought he got away with his crimes but justice has been served."

Aymes was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 6 November.

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