Man (82) jailed for sex assaults 46 years ago

A MAN has been brought to justice for sexual assaults he carried out 46 years ago.

The 82-year-old, who cannot be named to protect his victims, admitted offences against young girls stretching back to 1973.

The offender, who now lives in Loughborough, admitted 10 counts of indecent assault, including an attempted rape, which took place in Leicester and Pattishall, Northamptonshire, between 1973 and 1982.

His victims were aged between 11 and 18 at the time of the offences.

At Northampton Crown Court, the man was sentenced to four years and one month in jail - three years and four months for indecent assault on a girl aged 11 in 1973-1974, plus a consecutive sentence of nine months for an indecent assault on a girl aged 14 in 1978-1979.

He was also given five concurrent 12-month sentences for indecent assaults carried out between 1973 and 1981 when his victims were aged 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18, two nine-month concurrent sentences for indecent assaults between 1980 and 1982 against victims aged 16 and 17, and a six-month concurrent sentence for indecent assault against a girl aged 14 in 1978-1979.

Upon his release from prison, the man will also be subject to a restraining order and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Speaking afterwards, DC Kelly Roberts, of the Cold Case and Sexual Violence Team at Northamptonshire Police, said: “The victims of these crimes have been living with what was done to them for over 30 years, and I’d like to commend them both for the strength and courage they have shown during our investigation.

“I’m really pleased that justice has been done for them. This outcome shows Northamptonshire Police will always thoroughly investigate reports of sexual offences, regardless of when they happened.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, whether recent or historic, is encouraged to make a report to Northamponshire Police by calling 101.