A PENSIONER branded a "monster" by police has been jailed for 18 years for serious historic sexual offences.

Clifford Godden, of Blackditch, Stanton Harcourt, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

Following a seven-day trial the 72-year-old was found guilty by a unanimous jury of 20 sexual offences.

Godden was convicted of 11 counts of indecent assaults, one count of attempted rape, four counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, and four counts of rape.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kelly Gilbert of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I am so pleased with the outcome of this trial because the victims are genuine and honest people who desperately wanted to be free of the feelings of shame and fear this man had put them through.

“The victims suffered in silence for more than 40 years, but thankfully this monster is behind bars where he belongs.

“We hope this encourages others to have the confidence to come forward in the future.”