A 71-year-old man from Herefordshire has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex offences against four children. The offences took place over four decades.

Gordon Preece of Marden, near Hereford, was found guilty of fifteen counts of sexual assault. The offences were committed between 1970 and 2010. He was sentenced at Hereford Crown Court on Friday, May 5th 2016.

Detective Constable Maz Woods of West Mercia Police led the investigation. After the verdict, she said: "Preece thought he had escaped justice for his crimes and has shown no remorse, his victims have continued to suffer with the memory of what he inflicted on them. I would like to take this opportunity to commend their tremendous courage in coming forward to police and ensuring Preece has been brought to justice.

"All reports of rape or sexual offences are taken very seriously and we hope that results such as these encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward, safe in the knowledge they will be supported and listened to."

If you have been a victim of rape or a sexual assault you can contact The Glade, a sexual assault referral centre for people in Herefordshire, Worcestershire. Shropshire and Telford. The Glade offers a free service, independent of the police, and you can contact them on the 24-hour self-referral number; 0808 178 2058 or by visiting their website. http://www.theglade.org.uk/.