A 68-year-old man has been jailed for 12 years after a court heard he abused his daughter for three decades and fathered two children by her.

A 68-year-old man has been jailed for 12 years after a court heard he abused his daughter for three decades and fathered two children by her.

The pensioner, who comes from Essex but cannot be identified for legal reasons, was jailed by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday after admitting offences including rape, incest and indecent assault.

Detectives last night praised the courage of his daughter, now aged 45, and said they were satisfied with the sentence.

"The victim in this case showed incredible courage," said Detective Constable Emily Monk, a member of Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit.

"This was an extremely serious case, where a man had abused his daughter over a very long period of time.

"She was not physically imprisoned but he controlled her and she felt she could not leave.

"The crimes came to light when she spoke to a friend and that friend persuaded her to contact us.

"Her courage is a lesson for all women in similar situations.

"If people are brave enough we will investigate and people will be punished for their crimes.

"It has been an agonising journey for her and she is a very strong and determined woman who deserves every credit.'