'Appalling and despicable' sexual predator jailed

Graham Goodchild worked as a night superintendent at Alder Hey Children's Hospital

An "appalling and despicable predator" who worked as a children's hospital night superintendent has been jailed for 25 years for sexually assaulting boys.

Police said Graham Goodchild abused four boys in Merseyside in the 1960s and early 1970s while employed by Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday that one of the sexual assaults happened at the hospital. Others took place in parks, at his victims' houses, or in his own home.

The now 82-year-old, from Southampton, was convicted following a trial at the same court in June.

'Truly horrific'

Merseyside Police said Goodchild, of Firtree Way, was convicted of 17 counts of sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault.

He will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for the rest of his life.

Jason Banks, who led the Merseyside Police investigation, thanked Goodchild's victims for showing "immense courage and strength" in coming forward.

He said justice had only been made possible due to their "bravery".

“Goodchild is clearly a predator and used his position of trust to carry out appalling and despicable offences against young children," he added.

"The level of offending in this case and the acts he subjected his victims to were truly horrific."

Specially trained officer Jill Burnett, who supported the victims throughout the investigation, said: "I hope this also encourages others who might have been subjected to instances of historical abuse to come forward because time is no barrier to reporting offences.

"They will get the support and advice they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal, and if they so wish, put their abuser before the courts."