A 63-year-old Suffolk paedophile has been jailed for a total of 13 years after being convicted of a string of sex offences.

Alan Sharpe, of Farford Road, Great Cornard was convicted of two serious sexual assaults on a child, three counts of gross indecency with a child and five indecent assaults on a female child.

The conviction followed a trial at Ipswich Crown Court last week before Recorder Maureen Baker QC.

Sharpe had denied all the offences, along with two other serious sexual assaults which were discharged.

Sharpe’s sentencing was adjourned until his appearance before Norwich Crown Court yesterday where Recorder Baker was presiding.

As a result of his conviction Sharpe was also made subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

He must sign the sex offences register for an indefinite period. Sharpe was also given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite period.

After the case Kate Pinato, a spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service takes these matters very seriously and we are pleased this case has reached a successful conclusion.

“We are grateful to the victim for coming forward to the authorities and we hope the positive outcome of this case means this ordeal can be put to rest and the victim can move forward.

“The sentence handed down today not only highlights the severe nature of this crime, but also sends a strong message that we will rigorously prosecute these cases for the benefit of victims and remain committed to bringing offenders to justice.”