2015: BROMSGROVE MAN JAILED FOR 12 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS
A BROMSGROVE man has been jailed for 12 years for sexual offences against young girls.Ian Pitts, 80, of Carol Avenue, was found guilty by a jury after the victims had given "articulate and intelligent" evidence during an earlier six-day trial at Worcester Crown Court.
Pitts carried out the offences when he was aged 74 and 75, from 2009 to 2010.
Judge Robert Juckes, QC, said he was "astonished" that Pitts had been able to sit in court and listen to the girls giving their evidence.
"They showed themselves to be highly articulate, intelligent and sensitive children who gave their evidence in a measured way," he said at a sentencing hearing.
Jason Aris, defending, said Pitts had had two heart attacks when in his 60s and a stroke at the age of 78 and claimed he was not sexually capable.
But the jury of eight men and four women did not believe him, Judge Juckes said.
Mr Aris said Pitts, who was sent to jail straight after the trial to await sentencing, was finding it difficult.
He said Pitts had worked throughout his life and had a good reputation with a lot of friends in the wider community.
"He will be a very old man when he is released and he will suffer," Mr Aris said.
Judge Juckes gave him 10 years for rape of a child under 13 and concurrent sentences for the offences against the first girl, including sexual activity with a child, assault by penetration and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was given two years consecutively for the offences against the second girl - a total of 12 years.
"Much the greater punishment will be your complete humiliation," the judge told Pitts, who left the dock walking with the aid of a stick.
