A 72-year-old man is facing the next 18 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple historic sexual offences against children.

In the late 1980s to 1990, Keith Gilding, 72, of Dale Road, Dereham, abused two children, committing a total of 14 offences.

One of the victims suffered abuse repeatedly into their teens, including rape.

A second was indecently assaulted while they were still a young child.

One of the victims spoke of how it had affected them throughout their life and relationships, that they didn’t even "like cuddling", even when they became a parent, they could not show their emotions, adding: "I have flashbacks still to this day".

A second victim said it impacted on their teenage years, where they began drinking alcohol to try to forget their feelings. It was only becoming parent that helped them to turn things around but they still suffered flashbacks.

One of the victims called police to report the abuse in June 2020 while the second contacted officers the following month.

Gilding was arrested on July 16, 2020.

Eastern Daily Press: Keith Gilding, 72, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Norwich Crown Court Keith Gilding, 72, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Gilding was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 13 and two further serious sexual acts.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Norwich Crown Court with one year to be served on licence. 

DC Emma Beck said: “The sentence will hopefully go some way to seeking justice for his victims. As an adult, Gilding was in a position of trust which he abused.

“These crimes had a lasting impact on the victims, their relationships and quality of their lives. We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to report or seek help.”