Stuart John Aldridge, 52, from Bournemouth, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday 16 February where he was sentenced to 18 years after he was found guilty at an earlier trial at the same court of rape, two charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

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.

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.”

How to report child abuse:

Dorset Police: For non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online where you can pass on the details of your concerns to us using the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger please dial 999.

Crimestoppers: Call anonymously on 0800 555 111

Local Children’s Social Care:

STARS Dorset www.starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service / 01202 308858

The Shores – Dorset SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) 01202 552 056

BCP Council 01202 093131

Dorset Council (Children’s Advice and Duty Service) 01305 228866

You can also report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk