A Swindon man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to historic child sex offences.
Martin Connolly, aged 77, from Windmill Court, Uxbridge Road, Freshbrook, Swindon was sentenced today (Thursday 12 January 2017) at Swindon Crown Court.
He admitted to multiple counts of rape, indecent assaults, gross indecency and a number of attempted rapes involving five separate children over a number of years.
One charge of rape was left to lie on file.
Det Con Nick Bishop said: “Martin Connolly put his young victims through terrible ordeals, an experience no one should ever have to go through.
“These appalling, depraved offences took place over five decades from the 1960s through to the 2000s.
“I am satisfied with the sentence handed out today and I hope this gives the victims and their families some solace so they can move forward with their lives, knowing justice has been served.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for coming forward – those brave actions have helped put this predator behind bars.
“I also hope this case highlights how seriously Wiltshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service takes child sexual abuse; whether it is recent or non-recent, we will take every action available to bring offenders to justice.
“I would always encourage anyone to come forward and contact police immediately if they feel they have been a victim of sexual abuse.
“Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary – they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline: 0808 168 0024 or via www.newswindonsanctuary.co.uk.
