A rape victim who last month saw her attacker jailed for eight years has urged others to come forward – no matter how long ago the abuse was.

The now 24-year-old from Brighton and Hove was raped and indecently assaulted when she was just 13 by Graham Wheatley.

Speaking exclusively to The Argus, she said: “I would urge others to report anything as soon as they can.

"There is nothing to be afraid of. There are plenty of sup- port networks in place, you’re not on your own.”

The woman first met Wheatley in 2003 aged just 13.

The same year he raped her before indecently assaulting her the following year.

She lived with the secret throughout her teenage years only contacting the police in 2010 to prevent Wheatley doing the same to other girls.

She added: “I lived with the secret for so long.

“I called the police from home and told them what he had done. It was horrible having to bring it all up again. I was worried they wouldn’t believe me.

“It wasn’t until after he was charged that I lost that feeling.”

The police investigation lasted for nearly two years before Wheatley was charged and sent for trial.

In February this year she gave evidence at Lewes Crown Court and the 40-year-old was sent down for eight years.

She added: “Court was difficult. But there is a network of support in place – that’s something I had no idea about.

“Anyone thinking of coming forward should feel safe knowing that there is help out there.”

Wheatley, of Birdham Road, Brighton, was sentenced on April 5 to eight years in jail.

He was also required to register as a sex offender for life and was served a Sexual Offence Prevention Order (SOPO) restricting his access to children.

She added: “It was such a huge relief and I feel like I am finally getting my life back together.

“I am starting to go out on my own and feel safe knowing he isn’t going to be around every corner. “I would urge anyone who has suffered anything similar to come forward and tell the police. It is difficult but definitely worth it.”