A RIBCHESTER man has today been jailed for 19 years for the sexual abuse of young girls dating back more than 30 years.

Vincent Whittingham, 69, preyed on girls aged between five and 13.

The court heard that after molesting the girls he told them they must keep the matter a secret.

Whittingham, of Stydd Lane, denied a series of offences of rape and sexual assault, dating back to March 1980.

But he was convicted of 10 rapes, six indecent assaults, three offences of sexual activity with a child, four other sexual assaults and one other charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Simon Newell also ordered Whittingham to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and he will also be barred from working with children.

Prosecutor Louise Whaites said that at least one of the girls was left exposed to sexually-transmitted diseases, after the defendant had unprotected sex with her.

Det Con Nick Blackledge, who works for one of Lancashire Police’s public protection units, said: “I am pleased with the sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offences committed by Whittingham.

“His crimes left the victims and their families devastated and they are still trying to pick up the pieces.

“Not only did he carry out a horrendous series of sexual assaults against vulnerable young girls, but he forced them to relive their ordeal by refusing to admit his guilt and making them go through a trial.

“I’d like to pay a personal tribute to the victims in this case for their bravery and dignity throughout.

“I hope this sentence will help give them some sense of closure and that they are able to start to move on with their lives.”