POLICE say they 'will always listen' to reports of sexual assault, 'however long ago the offences took place'. 

Following the sentencing of a man for sexual offences against children in Oxfordshire in the 1970s, investigating officer detective sergeant Tracey Shepherd, of the Thames Valley Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “Thames Valley Police will always listen to you and investigate when reports like this are made to us, however long ago the offences took place.”

The comments follow the sentencing of Nigel Walker, 60, of Arabella Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, who was handed 11 years' imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, January 14.

Detective sergeant Shepherd added: “These crimes were committed against two young girls who were very vulnerable at the time.

“Thanks to their courage in coming forward and reporting these offences all these years later, a police investigation was launched and Walker has admitted his crimes and has been brought to justice."

Walker pleaded guilty at the same court on 8 January to two counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault.

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His offences took place between 1974 and 1978 at two locations in Oxfordshire.

His victims were both under 10 when the offences occurred.

A police investigation was launched in 2015 after the victims disclosed the abuse and Walker was charged on 11 April, 2018.

In October last year, Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre stepped up support for young women and girls who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.