A SEX offender from Hereford has been jailed for 10 years by a crown court judge.

Leonard Wheatcroft, 80, was sentenced 10 years in prison after being found guilty at trial for non-recent sex offences.

Wheatcroft, of Belmont Road, Hereford, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday (June 15).

Detective Constable Leah Lowe, of West Mercia Police, said it was a challenging and complex investigation which took several, intensive years.

"I welcome this sentence which is reflective of the trauma and suffering Wheatcroft’s actions brought his victims," she said.

"I admire the bravery and strength the victims have shown throughout the investigation.

"This result demonstrates West Mercia Police’s dedication to supporting victims of sexual violence and reassure our communities that we will pursue justice regardless of when the offence took place or the age of the offender.”

"We would like to reassure anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, whether recently or in the past, that they can report the crime at any time."