A MAN has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of historical child sex offences against two girls.

Stuart John Aldridge, aged 52 and of Bournemouth, was convicted of rape, two charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual activity with a child following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The offences were committed over a period of around 10 years, starting in the late 1990s and involved two child victims.

One of the victims first disclosed the offences to police in April 2019 and the second victim was interviewed by officers the following month.

Aldridge was subsequently arrested and charged. He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, February 16, where a judge sentenced him to 18 years' imprisonment.

Bournemouth Echo: Stuart AldridgeStuart Aldridge

Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “These two victims have shown great courage incoming forward to report the despicable abuse they suffered at the hands of Stuart Aldridge.

“This led to a detailed investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team and, with the support of the victims throughout our enquiries and the court process, we have now been able to bring him to justice for his terrible actions.

“I hope this case demonstrates that we will take reports of this nature extremely seriously and will fully support victims of sexual abuse who come forward.”

Non-urgent reports of child abuse can be reported to Dorset Police on the force's website, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If it is believed a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Local children's social care services include STARS Dorset online at starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service or by calling 01202 308858 and The Shores (Dorset's Sexual Assault Referral Centre) by calling 01202 552056.

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