A 62-year-old man has been jailed for assaulting a child and sexually abusing a woman on multiple occasions. Neil Lawrence, of Poole in Dorset, pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a 12-year-old he knew in 1987. The paedophile then again carried out sexual assault in 2023. Lawrence denied the three counts of assault by penetration, voyeurism, sexual assault and threatening to disclose private sexual photographs, claiming that the sexual acts were consensual. However, he was found guilty of each count and convicted in May.

In a heartbreaking statement read out at last week's hearing, the first victim said: "I feel like it stripped the innocence from my childhood, that I could not put back."

The second victim also read out an emotional statement at the sentencing hearing.

They said: "I’m angry that he was able to do these things to me. It upsets me that I can’t even give a hug to my kids. They had to ask my permission before hand. I don’t want anyone to touch me, it makes me feel filthy and not me."

Lawrence was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, given an indefinite restraining order, and added to the sex offenders register.

The police are urging anyone with information or who has been a victim of Lawrence to come forward.

Detective Constables Annabelle Winter and Vikki Doble said: “The victims have shown such incredible bravery to report this and support the police investigation. I hope that this conviction brings them some closure and the justice they deserve.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of Lawrence – or of any other person, no matter how long ago the offence took place – to report this to the police if they feel able to.”

Help is available for victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent. People can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website or call 0117 342 6999.