A 73-year-old man from Wivenhoe has been jailed for ten years after pleading guilty to ten child sex offences.

Essex Police were called on February 28, 2017, after allegations of sexual assault were made against Dennis Bullard, of Chaney Road, regarding offences in the 1980s and 1990s which related to two children under the age of 13.

Bullard was arrested in March 2017 and later charged.

He pleaded guilty to ten counts of indecent assault at Chelmsford Crown Court on April 17 and yesterday, Thursday, May 24, was sentenced to ten years in prison, with another four years ion an extended licence.

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Siobhan Murphy, from Essex Police, said: “Today’s result goes to show that it is never too late for victims to come forward.

“Bullard’s actions deeply affected the lives of two young children, and have continued to have a profound impact since.

“His crimes targeted some of the most vulnerable members of society and trapped them in feelings of self-doubt, worthlessness and confusion, at a time when they should have been children without a care in the world.

“No one should ever have to experience the physical or psychological pain that Bullard put his victims through.

“I am humbled by their dignity throughout this difficult investigation, and hope that today’s sentence offers them some peace and the chance to start healing.”