A man who sexually abused young girls over more than two decades has been jailed for 23 years.
Michael Barker, 72, formerly of Swindon and now of Albert Hill, Durham, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court following a lengthy police investigation.
Barker was found guilty last year of six counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape and one count of gross indecency with a child.
The offences took place between 1974 and 1997 at addresses in Swindon, Chippenham and Bishop Auckland. The court heard that Barker targeted young girls who were known to him and trusted him.
In a statement read to the court, one of the women he abused said she was “no longer a victim” but a survivor, describing Barker as “a cruel, evil, manipulative sex offender”.
She said the abuse began when she was very young and had lasting effects on her childhood and adult life. She told the court that coming forward meant reliving “the most horrific” experiences but said she felt she had to do so for herself and for other victims.
Detective Constable Nicola Ainsley, from Wiltshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, praised the women who reported Barker’s abuse.
She said their courage had led to Barker being brought before the courts and receiving a lengthy prison sentence, adding that she hoped it would provide some measure of closure, while recognising the long-term impact of the abuse.
Police said Barker denied the offences and the case went to trial, which they said caused further distress to the victims.
Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact Wiltshire Police on 101. Support is also available through specialist organisations, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
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