Man found guilty of 'abhorrent' child sex offences

Michael Barker, from Durham, carried out the attacks between 1974 and 1997

The bravery of four women who were "robbed of their childhoods" has been praised after a 71-year-old man was found guilty of historic child sex offences.

Michael Barker, of Albert Hill in Durham, carried out the attacks between 1974 and 1997 at various addresses in Swindon, Chippenham and Bishop Auckland.

Det Con Nicola Ainsley, of Wiltshire Police, said: "Barker is an abhorrent individual. He abused these young girls, often in their own homes where they should have felt most safe, subsequently robbing them of their childhoods."

Barker was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape and gross indecency with a child following a trial at Swindon Crown Court.

Swindon Crown Court

Det Con Ainsley continued: "I would like to praise the victims in this case, who have endured incredibly traumatic experiences but despite this, found the courage to report Barker's behaviour to police.

"His behaviour escalated over the years and - when charged - he continued to deny any wrongdoing, forcing the case to go to trial and causing further distress to his victims.

"I know that tragically, the impact of abuse of this nature as a young child is carried by the victims for the rest of their lives.

"While this court result will not take that away entirely, I hope that a guilty verdict will go some way in giving the victims closure and the opportunity to rebuild their lives knowing Barker will be sentenced for his behaviour."

Barker is due to be sentenced at a later date.