A BLACKWOOD woman who was sexually abused as a teenager in the 1980s says her abuser’s sentencing marks a “new beginning” in her life.

Rachel Shovelton, 42, from Fleur-De-Lis, has bravely waived her right to anonymity in a bid to encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

Her abuser, Derrick Evans, aged 85, of St Deinols Close, Pengam, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by Judge Jonathan Furness at Newport Crown Court last week.

A trusted family friend, who lived just five doors away, Evans abused Ms Shovelton in his car and in the sitting room of his home over the course of a month in 1986.

Some 30 years later, Ms Shovelton says she has been “overwhelmed” by the relief of going public and getting justice.

She said: “After so many years, not holding on to the secret is liberating.

“My family and friends have been incredible throughout the long arduous journey. We have learnt how strong we can be when we work together.

“This is a new beginning for us all.”

The court heard that the father-of-two stacked musical folders on a chair so that Ms Shovelton had no other choice but to sit beside him on his settee.

He would then go on to abuse her while his wife tended to a sick neighbour next door as part of her morning routine.

It led to Ms Shovelton leaving home as a teenager and rarely visiting her parents for fear of bumping into Evans, who used to give out communion to the sick.

Ms Shovelton, who currently lives in Spain, had to fly home to give evidence at Evans’ trial last month after he pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16.

She said it had taken her many years, and a nervous breakdown, to realise that the abuse was not her fault.

She said: “I am sorry to everyone affected by this revelation; my family, his family and the members of the community and church that have had to deal with this bombshell over the last year.

“It has taken a while to comprehend that despite being the one to speak up and start this chain of events that devastated so many people, I was in no way to blame.

“I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to finally speak up.”