Riding school owner jailed for sex abuse of girls

Police described James Tossell as a "dangerous offender"

A riding school owner has been jailed for 17 years for multiple sex offences against three girls.

Thames Valley Police said James Tossell, 58, used his trusted position to abuse his victims over a number of years.

At Aylesbury Crown Court, Tossell, of Ivinghoe Aston, Buckinghamshire, was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, and two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13.

He was also convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child under 13 and three counts of making indecent photographs of children.

He was given a number of sentences to run concurrently, the longest of which is 17 years.

Tossell was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention and a notification order for life.

Police said the offences were not recent.

Det Con Kelvin Lennon described Tossell as a "dangerous offender who was intent on sexually abusing these girls for his own gratification".

He continued: "I would like to commend the bravery of the victims for coming forward, as without them we would not have been able to bring Tossell to justice for his terrible crimes.

"I am aware that his abuse has had a profound effect on all of their lives and all three are still living with the consequence to this day.

"I hope that Tossell's imprisonment will help them in some way."

• Details of help and support with sexual abuse or violence are available via BBC Action Line