A 75-year-old man has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail after being found guilty of historic sex abuse charges.

Peter Sheppard, from Burnham-on-Sea, had denied four charges of indecent assault on a young girl, said to have taken place between 1992 and 1994, and one of gross indecent assault on a child under the age of 14.

He also denied a charge of indecency with a child, aged between seven and eight, said to have taken place between the same dates.

Sheppard, of Love Lane, also denied a charge of indecently assaulting a different girl, aged between 12 and 16, between 1991 and 1996.

Prosecutors said Sheppard’s abuse included groping and trying to kiss a girl.

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said they hope the sentencing and justice will give confidence to other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

They added: “Sheppard’s victims will have suffered years of emotional turmoil and have shown tremendous courage in speaking out and exposing his horrendous campaign of abuse and deceit in court.

“Abuse can ruin childhoods and have lasting effects into adulthood without the right support, which is why we need to ensure victims are confident they will be believed when they come forward.

“This sentence shows it is never too late for survivors of child abuse to speak out, no matter how much time has passed since the offences took place.”

Victims of non-recent abuse can contact the NSPCC’s 24-hour helpline for advice and support on 08088 005000.