A LEIGH man has been found guilty of a string of sexual offences.

Clyde Stevens, 60, was convicted of nine offences committed against the same person by a jury at Luton Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday.

The court heard he sexually abused a girl on several occasions during the 1970s in Bedfordshire, with the abuse starting when the victim was just nine years old.

Two months ago Stevens met up with his victim and sexually assaulted her again.

It was after this incident that the woman came forward about the abuse and a police investigation was launched.

Stevens was subsequently arrested and charged with the multiple offences relating to both the abuse in the 1970s and the sexual assault in November.

Detective constable Jenny Bryce said: “This was a case of sickening and recurring abuse and I am pleased Stevens has been found guilty.

“I hope this verdict will be of some comfort to the victim and shows that it is never too late to report abuse.

"We absolutely will not tolerate any sexual abuse and we are committed to tackling these heinous crimes, supporting the victims and bringing those responsible to justice.”

Stevens will be sentenced on March 10.