A brave teenager is awaiting justice for the ultimate betrayal.

Stephanie Webster’s father Derryck Forrest has just been convicted of raping her.

Stephanie, 18, is now waiting to see what sentence Forrest, of Crundale Road, Gillingham, will be given.

She is determined to make a difference by waiving her legal right to anonymity and giving other abuse sufferers the courage to come forward.

Stephanie was raped by the man entrusted with her care and custody, at the age of 16.

She knew what her father had done was wrong, but felt there was little she could do about it.

She said: “I always knew that it wasn’t normal, but he was a very powerful person and it was really difficult.”

She eventually confided in a friend and found the courage to go to the police. Despite an agonising two-and-a-half-year wait to see justice served, she said it was worth the wait and the verdict of guilty, delivered on July 30, was a day of celebration.

She said: “Confiding in my friend did give me the courage and she gave me a lot of confidence and support.

“I was jumping with joy when the police said he’d been found guilty. I did want to be there for the verdict, but I was advised to stay away for my own safety.”

She is determined to be at court on September 12, to hear 47-year-old Forrest’s sentence and she hopes her bravery will encourage others.

Stephanie, who lives in Gravesend, urged: “Stand up and tell someone, it’ll make you feel better in the end.

“You shouldn’t be ashamed because it’s not your fault. Telling someone has changed my life so much.”

Forrest was acquitted of one count of indecent assault and another specimen charge of rape.