A mid Suffolk man has been convicted of raping two women, one repeatedly when she was a child.

Stuart Greener, a 54-year-old builder from The Oaks in Wattisfield, near Diss, denied carrying out the assaults between 1994 and 2003 but was today found guilty by a jury of indecent assault and rape.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of ten years.

Detective Inspector David Rutterford of Suffolk Constabulary said: 'I hope that today's conviction and sentencing brings some closure for the two women concerned and they are satisfied with the outcome of this case.

'Greener carried out his assaults over a period of several years, blighting the childhood of one of his victims.

'It must have been extremely difficult for both women to come forward so many years after these offences were committed, and then traumatic to have the events replayed in court.

'Both women have received support from specially trained officers during the investigation and trial.

'I commend the bravery of the victims in speaking out, and I hope this case gives more people the courage to report sexual offences to us.

'All reports of rape or sexual assault received by Suffolk Constabulary are investigated thoroughly, no matter how long ago the offences happened, and we will continue to work hard to ensure justice is done and sex offenders cannot hide behind the passing of time.'