A MAN who groomed three girls in the 70s and 80s will spend much of the rest of his life behind bars after he was jailed for 21 years. 

Brian Craig, 74, of Coast Road, West Mersea, has been jailed for 21 years for the incidents which happened in the late 70s and early 80s, while he was living in Stone near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

According to police, the offences then escalated, and Craig sexually abused the girls. 

Thames Valley Police was informed of the offences in March 2019 and Craig was arrested in April 2019, and charged in December 2020. 

Craig appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court earlier this month and was sentenced for one count of rape, one count of attempted sexual intercourse with a girl, four counts of sexual intercourse with a girl and seven counts of indecent assault. 

He had previously been found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of the offences at the same court, after a two-week trial that concluded on October 25. 

Detective Constable Collette Parker, based at Aylesbury police station, said: “The horrific grooming, control, manipulation and abuse perpetrated by Brian Craig has had a significant impact on the victims’ lives. 

“I would like to thank the victims in this case, they have shown great courage, determination, patience and dignity in their support for the investigation. 

“I hope that the unanimous guilty verdicts and the lengthy sentence given brings them some closure. 

“I would also like to thank prosecuting counsel Sally Hobson for her work in securing this conviction."

Det Con Parker said the result showed police took offences seriously no matter when they are reported. 

She added: “No matter how much time has elapsed, Thames Valley Police will always investigate offences of this nature, and I hope this sends a strong message to those who believe they can get away with offences committed many years ago. 

“To victims, I want to reassure you that we have specialist officers who will listen and support you. Whenever you are ready to report an offence you can contact us via our website, or by calling 101, or by visiting a police station.”