A PAEDOPHILE who preyed on a young girl has been jailed after a jury found him guilty.

John Lockyer abused the girl in Eastbourne in the 1990s.

The 76-year-old former businessman, music teacher and church organist was found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

They were known to each other via the St Andrews of Norway church in Eastbourne.

One of the counts on the charge included as many as 20 occasions where Lockyer abused her.

Detectives said Lockyer “took advantage” of the girl for his own sick pleasures “for some time” and caused trauma which continues to this day.

He was found not guilty of nine other counts of indecently assaulting the girl and two offences of gross indecency against a boy.

At Hove Crown Court Lockyer stood trial alongside Pauline Harrop, who was acquitted of two counts of gross indecency against the same boy.

The case was heard over seven days before Judge Christine Henson QC. Lockyer was jailed for 22 months.

The two complainants came forward to make statements to the police in 2017.

Detectives from the East Sussex Safeguarding Unit then launched an inquiry.

Detective Constable Jo Barber said: “Lockyer, who had a financial business in Eastbourne, was also a freelance music teacher and organist at a church, St Andrews of Norway in the town, and met the victim who attended the church.

“He took advantage of the young girl for his own sexual gratification for some time, causing psychological trauma and damage which lasts to this day. Only when the she felt strong enough to come forward and disclose the full details in 2017 did our detailed investigation uncover what had happened.

“We very much admire her courage and resolution in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“This is another example of the way in which we will always investigate such reports, no matter how long ago the events were said to have been and will seek to support victims and help them secure justice wherever possible.”

The victim, who was a teenage girl at the time and is now in her forties, said: “Reporting this crime has finally brought about closure for me after a long road to recovery and healing. I now have a future to look forward to without this hanging over me or holding me back anymore. I can only say the biggest thank you to Sussex Police, and to DC Jo Barber in particular, for supporting me through this process so well and for making me feel looked after at every stage.

“I have met some amazing people who have all helped me on my way forwards and who I will never forget.

“Although this has been an extremely tough and long process I don’t regret making the decision to come forward and report for a moment.”

Lockyer, of Bolton Lane, Ipswich, is now serving his sentence. Ms Harrop, of Seaside, Eastbourne, was acquitted.