A Trowbridge rapist has been imprisoned for 18 years after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences in the 1980s and 90s.

Andrew Austin, 63, of The Spinney in Trowbridge, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on April 26 and was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, indecent assault and child cruelty offences.

The case has only recently come to light as the two child victims "felt that nobody believed them" when the offences took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

During the week-long trial, the court heard how Austin sexually abused the two young children on multiple occasions.

“Austin’s offending was completely abhorrent – these were appalling crimes which the victims continue to carry with them decades later," said Detective Constable Simon Rogers.

“Both victims felt that nobody believed them at the time but I hope that this court result will bring them some form of closure.

“I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward to the police which enabled us to secure this conviction and ensure this dangerous man is behind bars.”

Austin has now been sentenced to 18 years in prison, and has also been issued with a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register.