THE VICTIM of bus stop predator Ian Willett has been praised by police for her courage throughout the investigation.

Willett was jailed for 40 months at the Isle of Wight Crown Court yesterday.

He was described as a risk to women as he was sent into custody.

Read about the case here

The case came to court in the week Sarah Everard was murdered after apparently being snatched off the streets of London, and women have been sharing their stories about attacks and near-misses.

Detective Inspector Craig Fielding said of Willett's victim: “This was a disturbing incident in which Willett assaulted a woman he did not know in a public place.

“I would like to thank the victim for the courage and dedication that she has shown throughout this investigation. I hope that today’s sentence allows her some peace of mind in the knowledge that Willett is behind bars and off the streets..

“We worked with partner agencies and reviewed CCTV in Newport to help to build the case against Willett that has ultimately led to his incarceration.

“Thankfully incidents like this are very rare on the Isle of Wight, but we hope that today’s result gives confidence to victims to come forward and speak to us.”

The victim's personal statement was read in court. She said she had tried to 'become anonymous' after the attack, by removing herself from social media and changing the colour of her hair.

She also spoke about how uneasy she felt, because she didn't know what her attacker looked like.

For personal safety advice visit www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/crime-prevention/out-and-about/personal-safety