AN 84-YEAR-OLD man from Latchford has been jailed after 'appalling and dreadful' sexual assaults on three young girls.

Thomas Hickey, of Grange Avenue, Latchford pleaded guilty to four counts of assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.

Hickey indecently touched two girls in May 2017 and a third victim several years ago.

William Staunton, defending, said: “He has been ostracised by his family and all look upon his deeds in proper disgust.

“He is at a low risk of re-offending, but these are appalling and dreadful deeds.

“This is a shameful end to his life.”

The court heard how Hickey offered sweets and chocolate to his victims before sexually assaulting them.

Judge Birkett, said: “These were pre-pubescent girls and girls who are vulnerable. These offences cause long standing anxieties and distrust.

“There was a degree of planning in all of the offences.”

As well as being jailed for three years he was put on the sex offenders’ register for life and must adhere to conditions of a sexual harm prevention order and restraining order upon his release.

Hickey must not go near a school, park or residential area where children under the age of 16 are likely to be.

He cannot approach any young people in a public place who were not previously known to him.

Speaking after the hearing, DS Mark Naylor said: “I am pleased that Hickey has been handed a custodial sentence and is no longer a threat to young girls.

“I would like to commend his victims for their courage in coming forward and going through the court process to ensure that justice is served and a paedophile is behind bars.

“They have been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation and judiciary process and we hope that seeing justice done served will help them and their families in some way.

“Cheshire Police are committed to supporting victims of any sexual offence, whether recent or non-recent, and urge anyone who is a victim to come forward and report it to us on 101.

“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Victims can also make contact with specialist support via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre by calling the national helpline number of 0808 802 9999.”