A paedophile who subjected two young children to "abhorrent" abuse has been jailed for more than two decades after they bravely spoke out to put him behind bars.
Thomas Gerrity was found guilty of three counts of assault by penetration, six counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault following a trial at Preston Crown Court. The 69-year-old, of Sandhurst Avenue, Bispham, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and an extra four years on an extended licence.
It follows an investigation by Lancashire Police. Det Insp Andrew Crook said Gerrity’s crimes were "nothing short of abhorrent" and praised the "bravely" of the two victims following the sentencing hearing.
READ MORE: 'Monster' left boy, 11, terrified and fearing he 'wouldn't make it out of room alive'
In a statement issued today (July 8), he said: "Firstly, I want to praise his two victims, who have shown such strength and resilience throughout this process. They should be so proud of themselves for their bravery.
"Gerrity’s crimes are nothing short of abhorrent, and I and my team welcome the sentence handed down on him. I hope that this shows other victims of sexual offences that we will listen to you, we will investigate, and we will do all that we can to get you justice.
"If you, or someone you know have been a victim of a sexual offence, please talk to us."
