Gloucestershire man jailed for sexually abusing girls

David James, aged 66, of Green Close, Uley, near Dursley, pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault.

The incidents occurred between March 1976 and March 1980 in Gloucestershire and involved two girls under the age of 16.

Before sentencing, James pleaded guilty to all charges.

James was sentenced to a total term of 6 years and 3 months in prison, suspended for two years, at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 28 June.

The investigation was led by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Non-Recent Sexual Offences Investigation Team.

Hertfordshire Police said that although the incidents took place in Gloucestershire, they were the first to receive reports of James’ crimes.

Detective Constable Jason Tinsey, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “The bravery shown by the victims throughout this trial has been incredible and I thank them for their bravery in reporting David James’ crimes.

“This trial would have been difficult for both victims as they had to talk about incidents that had a lasting impact on them, but I hope that seeing James face a long prison sentence will provide them with some closure and help them to move on with their lives.”

David James from Uley was sentenced to prison after sexually abusing two girls over 40 years ago (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)