A 67-year-old Lower Earley man has been jailed for eight years for assaulting two girls under 13 and making indecent images of children.

Malcolm Graham Thompson, of Brompton Close, Lower Earley, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of seven counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, following a five day trial at Reading Crown Court. 

He also admitted to making indecent images of children and possessing an offessive weapon.

The offences took place from 1980 to 1999 and involved two female victims in the Reading area.

Det Con Steve Merrington from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: "I would like to commend the victims and their families for their bravery throughout the criminal justice process. Nine years is a good result and justice has been served for very serious sexual offences against very vulnerable people.

"This case shows to both victims and perpetrators that Thames Valley Police takes all reports of sexual offences seriously and no matter how long ago they took place we can and will successfully prosecute offenders."

Thompson was handed an eight-year jail sentence as well as one year on extended licence.