A MAN has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of a series of historic sexual offences including rape which took place in Barnsley.
Three victims from Barnsley, who cannot be named for legal reasons, came forward as a police investigation into Cleethorpes resident Alan Shepherd, 68, took place.
Shepherd was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of rape involving the three women, who all would have been under 16 years old at the time, at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday.
DC Elinor Duke, the investigating officer, said: “Our investigation into Shepherd’s horrific offending began in 2016 when one of his victims - now an adult - bravely came forward and reported what had happened to her as a child.
“Her strength and courage is remarkable and I commend her for taking this brave step.
“Further victims came forward as our inquiry progressed, and the scale of Shepherd’s offending became clear.
“He has refused to accept responsibility for his crimes, subjecting his victims to the ordeal of a court trial where they have had to recount for a jury their awful experiences.
“I am pleased he has been convicted and sent to prison. I only hope this result offers the victims some form of closure and that they are able to find the strength to move forward with their lives.”
