A MAN who attracted children to his home with the promise of ice-cream has been jailed for sexually abusing young boys and a young girl in the eighties.

Ronald Curran, 82, formerly of Mead Way, Forest Hall, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for indecently assaulting victims as young as six-years-old.

He would attract children to his home and allotment which was kitted-out with a play area, a woodwork room and dark room for photograph development.

He would also buy them ice cream and invite children to see his pets.

Curran was convicted by a jury on Monday, June 3, of two offences of buggery in relation to one boy and pleaded guilty to nine offences of indecent assault in relation to three other boys and a girl.

He was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, with one year on extended license and has been put on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Martin Gibson, of Northumbria Police's safeguarding department, said: "It is always a welcome result when we see victims getting justice after suffering in silence for so long.

"The victims bravely spoke out against Curran who abused them from such a young age and to see him now behind bars, it can give them a sense of closure.

"It is so important to speak out and I’d urge any victim of sexual abuse to come forward. It is never too late to speak out against abusers."

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, either recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Search Northumbria Police sexual assault for advice.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800-0113116 who will give independent advice and support.