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Man jailed 40 years after sexually assaulting girls

Mugshot of David James. He has grey short hair and a long grey beard. He is wearing glasses and looking directly at the camera with a blank expressionImage source, Hertfordshire Police
Image caption,

David James sexually assaulted two girls under 16

  • Published

A man who sexually assaulted two girls more than 40 years ago has been jailed.

David James, 66, of Green Close in Dursley, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault.

The incidents related to two girls, who were under the age of 16 when the offences occurred between March 1976 and March 1980.

James was sentenced on 28 June to six years and three months in prison, with an extended license of two years, police said.

While the offences happened in Gloucestershire, the investigation was led by Hertfordshire Constabulary, who first received reports of the crimes.

'Long-lasting impacts'

Det Con Jason Tinsey, from Hertfordshire Constabulary鈥檚 sexual offences investigation team, said: 鈥淭he bravery shown by the victims during this process has been incredible and I thank them for their courage in reporting David James鈥 crimes.

鈥淭his trial would have been difficult for the two victims discussing incidents that have had long-lasting impacts on them, but I hope that seeing James brought to justice with a lengthy sentence brings closure and helps them move forward with their lives.鈥

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