A MAN convicted for repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl, and a single such attack on an older woman, is starting a lengthy first taste of custody.

It follows John James Tunney’s convictions by a jury on a total of ten counts of indecent assault and sexual assault, offences spanning a change in the sexual offences law, in 2004.

He was found ‘guilty’ of nine charges relating to the girl, said to have been committed over several years, and one on the woman, which took place in a pub.

The 73-year-old defendant, of The Drive, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, denied the offences at an earlier hearing, at Durham Crown Court, citing “fabrication” on the part of the complainants.

Following the jury verdicts, after a four-day trial in June, Judge Simon Hickey remanded Tunney in custody, pending sentence.

He appeared via video link yesterday from nearby Durham Prison for the sentencing hearing, which was attended by his victims.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, read from their personal impact statements, in which the effects on them of his offending were outlined.

The younger victim said she felt the abuse suffered at Tunney’s hands had a definite effect on her education and development during her school days and resulted in her turning to alcohol to blot out the memories of what took place.

She stated that it ultimately made her feel like, “damaged goods”, having been, “well and truly used” by Tunney.

She added that before it came to the attention of police she tried to “bottle up” her feelings, but she still felt vulnerable and had nightmares.

The older victim said she regrets not having confronted Tunney at the time and said she was shocked when she learned he had also abused a child.

David Lamb, for Tunney, told the sentencing hearing: “He was obviously convicted by the jury at trial and, so, any mitigation is somewhat limited.

“Until conviction he was a man of previous good character, and, now at 73, he does not enjoy good health.

“His first taste of custody has had a significant and profound effect on him.”

Imposing a total prison sentence of 12 years and four months, Judge Simon Hickey told Tunney he could only be considered for parole at the half-way point, and, if refused, would not be eligible for further consideration for another two years.

At the end of the sentence, Tunney will also have an extra year under licence supervision.

He will also be subject of several restrictions, including being forbidden from contacting his victims, under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, indefinitely.

The court also ruled that he must register as a sex offender for life.