An Arlesey man has been convicted of a string of sex crimes against a girl – including rape – when she was aged 11 and 12.
Stephen Albon, 46, was found guilty of carrying out a catalogue of offences against the girl in a Bedfordshire village by a jury majority of 11 to one at St Albans Crown Court.
The offences came to light when the girl spoke to a friend at school.
The friend told her mother, who in turn contacted the victim's mother.
The police were then called and he was arrested on September 8 2010.
Albon, of Carters Close, denied seven charges – three of rape, two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual acts and two of assault by penetration.
The offences occurred between December 2009 and September 2010. Albon denied anything ever happened.
Judge Michael Baker QC adjourned sentencing until April 9 and granted him bail.
