A 76-year-old Sale pensioner has been jailed for raping and sexually abusing two girls in the 1970s.
Robert Girdlestone, of Sefton Road, Sale was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 16 years in prison.
The two girls were under ten when the sexual abuse started and carried on for several years.
An investigation was launched in June 2014 after one of the victims came forward to tell police about Girdlestone’s offences.
After a number of delays for ill-health and following Girdlestone’s failure to turn up to court for a previous trial, he was found guilty of 14 counts of rape and sexual assault of a child.
Detective Constable Paul Walls of GMP said: “Girdlestone’s behaviour is absolutely sickening, he subjected two young girls to his twisted desires for years.
“I cannot praise the victims enough, both for their bravery in coming forward and telling police what had happened, and for the strength they have shown during the trial.
“While we cannot undo Girdlestone’s abhorrent abuse, I hope knowing he will spend the next 16 years behind bars will bring them some comfort.”
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