A Burnham-On-Sea pensioner has been jailed for seven and a half years after being found guilty of historic sex abuse charges.
Peter Sheppard, 75, of Love Lane in Burnham was found guilty of six counts of sex abuse.
He had denied four charges of indecent assault on a young girl, which were said to have taken place between 1992-1994, and one of gross indecent assault on a child under the age of 14.
He also denied a charge of indecency with a child, aged between 7-8, which was said to have taken place during the same time period.
He also denied a further charge of indecently assaulting a separate girl who was aged between 12-16 years of age, between the years of 1991-1996.
Taunton Crown Court, pictured below, heard that Sheppard had abused and groped his first victim when she was aged around 7-8 years old.
The prosecution told the trial that the abuse had carried on for several years. It had taken place on a number of occasions where he had tried to force her to touch him and tried to kiss her.
Jurors at the trial also heard that Sheppard’s second victim had been terrified when he forced her to put her hand on him.
However, Sheppard claimed that his accusers were attention-seeking and had attempted to stitch him up.
An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said after the case: “Sheppard preyed on two young and vulnerable girls for his own sexual gratification.”
“His victims will have endured years of emotional turmoil since the abuse, and they must be praised for their bravery in giving evidence in court. Abuse can ruin childhoods and have a lasting impact into adulthood, without the right support.”
“Hopefully, this conviction will help these women take a step forward in their lives. We need to ensure that people who have been abused feel confident to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be believed and their voices heard – no matter how much time has passed.”
The NSPCC runs a 24-hour helpline for adults who need help on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people should call Childline on 0800 1111.
