Man jailed for historical sex abuse of three girls

Police said the abuse came to light when victims felt ready to come forward

A man has been jailed for sexually assaulting three girls between the 1970s and early 1990s.

Noel Brome-Hinds, 81, of Wingfield in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, was found guilty of 19 offences, including one count of rape.

A trial at the city's crown court in November heard one victim was abused by him more than 50 times, and first remembered being assaulted when she was a toddler.

Brome-Hinds was jailed for 13 years at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday.

The offences came to light when his victims decided to come forward.

Police said one had previously felt unable to tell anyone about the abuse as she did not want to be a burden.

Another said she had struggled all her life as a result.

Brome-Hinds was arrested but denied the offences, telling police the allegations were "total lies" and "nasty".

He denied any wrongdoing when he stood trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

Jurors found him guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years and five counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16.

He was also found guilty of one count of raping a female aged 16 years or over.

Det Con Jessica Martin said the case highlighted how police took reports of this nature "extremely seriously", no matter when it happened or when it was reported.

She said: "I hope this outcome brings closure for the victims and their families, and allows them to move forward with their lives.

"Child abuse comes in many different forms and can affect anyone. It's everyone's responsibility to help stop the abuse and tell someone, whether you're a victim, friend or adult."