A 60-year-old Shropshire man has been jailed for 10 years for committing a series of serious sexual offences which spanned more than 20 years.

John James Harris, of Crown Street, Dawley, Telford, was jailed at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday after he admitted the 18 offences.

Mr Stephen Cadwaladr, prosecuting, said the offences had taken place over a period of 23 years.

After Judge Robin Onions sentenced Harris to 10 years in prison, one of his victims broke her silence.

The victim, who cannot be identified, said she and the others had been given a “life sentence” since they became Harris’ victims.

She said: “I am extremely glad that this case has now reached its conclusion and my family and I will now attempt to move on and rebuild our lives.

“Although the prison sentence given to this individual is a significant one, it will eventually come to an end.

“Unfortunately, the memory of what he has done will remain with us for the rest of our lives. We have essentially been given a life sentence.”

She added: “For many years I did not come forward and speak out about these crimes because I was scared that I would not be taken seriously.

“I would therefore like to take this opportunity to encourage others who find themselves in a similar situation to come forward and speak out to stop what is happening to them.”

Inspector Colin Aitken, who led the investigation, said he was satisfied with the 10-year sentence following the “extremely traumatic case”.

Mr Aitken added: “The pain this man has caused is difficult to comprehend.”