A pensioner who carried out sex attacks on children as young as three over 37 years has been jailed.

Alyn Matless has been found guilty after a three-day re-trial of 21 offences including indecent assault and gross indecency with a child committed against four girls who were known to him.

His victims varied in age between 3 and 12 years old and the crimes were carried out on separate periods between 1962 and 1989 in Hove and East Sussex.

The 71-year-old from Old Shoreham Road in Portslade was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday to a total of five and a half years imprisonment.

Now retired Detective Constable Martyn Milligan, who investigated the case, said; "This was a very distressing series of offences, and the victims suffered greatly over many years.

“Their willingness to come forward and support the prosecution, in which they each had to give evidence twice as there was a re-trial, contributed in large part to bringing Matless to justice.

"This is another case that shows that offenders of this type can be successfully prosecuted, even after many years.

“We encourage anyone who suffers physical or sexual abuse to come forward, no matter how long after the events.

“You will be able to speak in confidence to experienced detectives who can also arrange access to a range of counselling and other supportive facilities."

 

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