Postman jailed for rape of girl

A Wyre Forest postman who raped a schoolgirl has been jailed for eight years and banned for life from working with children.

Vincent Laux, aged 46, of Gibbons Crescent, Stourport, was convicted last month by a jury after a trial at Worcester Crown Court. He was back in court for sentence yesterday.

The prosecution alleged that Laux attacked the girl in Kidderminster several years ago.

He warned her not to say anything but she later confessed to her mother and gave evidence at the trial.

Miss Abigail Nixon, defending, submitted references and said that Laux was a man of previous good character.

Judge Patrick Thomas QC accepted that it was a one-off offence arising out of depression and excessive drinking.

But he described the offence as unforgivable and hugely damaging for the child.

The judge made a sexual offences prevention order and ordered Laux to register as a sex offender for life.