A MAN who sexually abused three girls over a 16-year period has been jailed for 20 years.

Frederick Bailey, 80, of Savernake Avenue, Melksham, was convicted of 15 sexual offences including rape and indecent assault following a seven-day trial at Dorchester Crown Court.

The court heard that Bailey abused his victims in the 1960s and 1970s in Bridport and Reading, when the girls were aged under 15.

Bailey was arrested on June 10, 2014 and sentenced last Wednesday.

Detective Constable Jimmy Bond, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Bailey subjected these women to the most serious sexual offences when they were young girls and he continued abusing them for many years.

“The victims in this case showed strength and courage in coming forward to speak up and great patience with the legal system as there was a lengthy wait for the trial to start.

“I hope this sentence acts as an encouragement to anyone who has suffered abuse that we will listen. It is never too late to make a report.

“Our message to perpetrators of sexual abuse is simple and very clear; if you commit these crimes we will find you, arrest you and bring you to justice.

“Abusing children is an abhorrent crime, hidden in society for far too long. We are committed to rooting it out and stopping it.”