A MAN has been jailed for 17 years after subjecting children to horrific sex attacks.

Allan Hammond, 79, was found guilty by a jury of 11 offences when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier this month.

Judge Christopher Morgan praised the “compelling evidence” as he sentenced Hammond on Friday.

The offences were committee between 1961 and 1990 in Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Chigwell and Saffron Walden.

An earlier trial in November 2016 ended with a hung jury for all but one offence for making indecent images.

His retrial began in July this year.

After a ten day trial Hammond, of Steeple View, March, was found guilty of the rape of a girl under the age of 16, five counts of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 13 and two counts of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 16.

He was also found guilty of one count of indecent assault of a boy under the age of 16 and one count of committing buggery with a boy under the age of 16.

Hammond has been placed on the sex offender’s register for life and was sentenced to 17 years in prison with a further two years on license.

DC Claire Learmouth said: “I would like to commend the exceptional bravery of the victims in this case.

“Without their courage in facing Hammond not once, but twice, in court, we may not have had this result.

“I hope that this can give the much-needed message to others that it is never too late for victims to come forward.”

An NSPCC spokesman added: "Hammond’s vociferous denials of his sickening crimes forced his victims to continue living with the consequences of his abuse.

“But they bravely stood up to this vile predator, helping bring him to justice, and it’s vital they continue to receive the support they need. It is never too late to hold child sex offenders to account – survivors can report non-recent abuse and get support by calling the NSPCC’s Helpline."

Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.