THE jailing of an 88-year-old predatory paedophile shows there is no expiry date for justice, a charity has said.

Eric Sowden was jailed for six years at York Crown Court and would likely end his days in prison, after admitting abusing six girls in 1979.

Sowden, who was previously jailed in 1988 for similar offences, initially claimed his six latest victims were making up their allegations, but later admitted a string of indecent assaults and acts of gross indecency with the girls, who were as young as six.

A spokesperson for the NSPCC said the case showed the importance of victims coming forward and bringing their attackers to justice.

They said: “Sowden’s crimes against vulnerable young girls were despicable, using manipulative and sophisticated grooming to approach and abuse them. The impact on his victims has clearly been long-lasting, and they have shown immeasurable courage and strength in coming forward and ensuring Sowden has been brought to justice. This case has not only ensured Sowden will no longer be a danger to children, it also proves that victims of sexual abuse can have the confidence to come forward, no matter how much time has passed.”

One of the women, all now aged in their forties, first spoke to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in York - where victims of sexual abuse can speak anonymously, but later decided to involve North Yorkshire Police, which helped secure Sowden’s prosecution.

A spokeswoman said: “The Sexual Assault Referral Centre gives victims of sexual crime an alternative when they do not want to contact the police direct. “Coming forward to report sexual abuse is difficult. The SARC provides a comfortable environment for victims and a range of services from gathering early evidence, to sexual health checks, counselling and guidance through the court process.”

North Yorkshire’s SARC, Bridge House, can be contacted at turntobridgehouse.org or 0330 2230362. Anyone with concerns for a child can also phone the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk