A paedophile pensioner has been jailed after being found guilty of a series of “traumatic” sex crimes against children spanning 25 years.

Thomas Williams, 76, of Moor Park, Wendover, was convicted of one count of rape, one count of buggery, 14 counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child.

This week a crown court judge sent him to prison for 20 years after he was found guilty of attacking four children – all under the age of 16 – by a unanimous jury in April this year.

Specialist investigator Rebecca Spaull of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The sexual abuse that these victims suffered as young children has had a tremendous impact on their lives.

“I would like to thank the victims in this case for their bravery in reporting these offences and for their courage and determination throughout the investigation, through to trial.

“It has been a traumatic time for them all and I hope that the sentence brings them some closure.

“I would also like to thank all the witnesses in this case, who have enabled Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, to finally provide justice to the victims, after many years.

“This sentence also reflects the hard work that is carried out by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, in bringing these offenders to justice and I would encourage anybody who has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse to report it to the police.

“We will listen, there is support and help available and wherever possible, we will prosecute.”

The attacks took place between 1966 and 1991 in Aylesbury, Wiltshire, London and Bedfordshire, police confirmed.