A 23-year-old from Potters Bar has been sent to prison after being found guilty of raping a child twice.

Zakary Jafari, who lives in Allandale Crescent, was found guilty of two counts of rape, as well as inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

St Albans Crown Court heard how the historical offences took place when the defendant was aged 13 or 14, and involved raping a young boy.

Judge Lennard told Jafari: “I consider your actions, even at the age of 13 or 14, to be bullying – picking on an easy target.

“You knew very well what you were doing was wrong, which is why you threatened the victim. This was not sexual experimentation, rather appalling exploitation.”

Summarising a statement from the victim’s mother, the judge said her son has been left “withdrawn and damaged”, adding: “He said he feels ashamed and wishes he kept matters quiet.”

Defending barrister Teresa Hay said that Jafari, who has a young child himself, “respects the verdict of the court although he doesn’t agree with it”.

She also highlighted his age and lack of maturity at the time of the rapes, and said there is no suggestion of sexual offending or interest in children since those offences took place.

The judge said Jafari was in denial and had no acceptance of his crimes, but added he took account of a pre-sentence report that concluded the 23-year-old is not dangerous.

Jafari, who has several previous convictions for battery, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, after police seized drugs worth £1,380 along with a “deal list” and £451 cash in May last year.

Ms Hay said Jafari was not a “street dealer”, and was until recently a heavy user himself, so all the drugs seized were not necessarily those he would sell.

He was sentenced to a total of eight years and two months in prison, to be released on licence after half is served.

The judge said: “Had it not been for your age at the time you would have received a sentence of 16 years with each count.”

He added aggravating factors were the threats made and his previous convictions.

An unlimited restraining order in relation to the victim was enforced, the drugs are to be destroyed, and the cash forfeited.