A 76-year-old Ipswich man found guilty of child sex offences dating back to the 1950s has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Paul Andrews, of Hawthorn Drive, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court today (Thursday, March 16).

Andrews had denied multiple charges relating to four victims. The earliest allegation dated to 1957, when Andrews was aged 16.

The case is believed to involve one of the largest gaps in the country’s history between the alleged offence and charges being read aloud in court.

Andrews was accused of multiple rapes and sexual assaults involving four young victims, the incidents taking place across a span of some 60 years.

He was arrested in November 2016 after the incidents first started coming to light in August.

Judge Christopher Morgan QC, sentencing, said: “You did not have the courage in front of the jury to make admissions.

“You have devastated their [the victims’] lives. The victims’ personal statements demonstrate their courage and humility.

“In contrast you have shown no remorse.”

The jury found Andrews guilty on 14 counts of sexual abuse.

Detective constable Elizabeth Seager said: “Despite many decades of time between some of these offences taking place and the conclusion of today’s trial, I would like to thank all the victims for trusting us in bringing this man to justice.

“I understand this process has not been easy for the victims but they have been very brave in both reporting the offences and seeing this through to its conclusion.

“As with any report of this nature we will always offer support throughout the investigation no matter when the offences took place and I hope this result may give other victims the confidence to come forward.

“We would urge anyone who has been abused or sexually assaulted to come forward, safe in the knowledge that Suffolk Constabulary, together with our partners within child protection, will provide help and support, and do all we can to identify, charge and bring those responsible before the courts.

“It is never too late to report.”

Judge Morgan QC sentenced Andrews to 24 years in prison, and ordered he must serve a further two years on licence.

In total he was given a 102 year prison sentence for the 14 offences, but some of will these will be served concurrently.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Andrews committed his depraved crimes over a period of decades and it is absolutely right he has faced the full force of the law.

“Great credit must be given to the victims, who were incredibly brave in disclosing to police what had happened to them and bringing Andrews’ vile campaign of abuse to an end.

“This case shows once again that victims of non-recent sexual abuse can come forward and receive justice, as well as the support they need, no matter how much time has passed.”

Any adults who need help or support to discuss non-recent abuse or who have concerns about a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.