A man has been jailed for 17 years for historical sexual offences committed over a 20-year period.

Joseph Whitbread, 73, formerly of Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, was sentenced for a raft of offences at Oxford Crown Court.

The hearing on Friday November 22 heard personal statements from three of his victims. 

One said: "I suffered abuse and it has impacted my life. He sexually abused me. I had a real problem with relationships as a result of this. I have no confidence or self-esteem. I was not good enough for anyone, I was damaged goods. 

"I was too afraid to show closeness to my son. The memories of the abuse are like a scar, I can never escape it. I am glad he is going to finally face justice for what he did. I'm glad he is going to be trapped, like I have been."

Another added: "Since the abuse, whenever anything bad happened to me, I felt it was punishment for the abuse. I felt I didn't deserve happiness. I think my life would have been different if he hadn't abused me. I only feel comfortable with my animals as they can't hurt me. 

"I have made attempts to take my life. Since this has come out, I have learned to love myself. I want him to acknowledge what he has done. I don't have to carry this guilt anymore. I now realise I deserve to be happy."

The third said: “This man sexually abused me. He took my innocence away from me with what he did. I developed serious trust issues. I have suffered from flashbacks for many years. The abuse has had a significant impact on my personal life.”

Sentencing Whitbread, judge Maria Lamb said: "The offending spanned almost two decades. It's clear the victims have been horrified by the experience. The fault for what happened was yours. 

"You committed oral rape, put your fingers on their vagina and got them to touch your penis." 

The judge added: "I have heard the personal statement of the victims. The impact has been life-long and shattered into every corner of their lives. These were acts of sexual self-gratification. 

"I have taken into account your unhappy background and what you suffered as a child. Also the state of your health."

Whitbread had been on trial at Oxford Crown Court and the jury found him guilty of eight counts. 

Of the 17 years, the parole board will consider his case after he has served two thirds of the sentence. An existing sexual harm prevention order remains in place from a previous conviction.