Luton man jailed for child sexual offences from over 20 years ago

Gary Ambridge, 58, of Verulam Gardens, pleaded guilty to a string of indecent assaults against two girls between 1997 and 2000.

The victims approached Bedfordshire Police last year and revealed the abuse.

While Ambridge initially denied the offences under interview, last month at court, he pleaded guilty to eight separate indecent assaults as well as two counts of cruelty to a person.

Ambridge was sentenced to a total of seven years and 11 months for ten offences related to child abuse and child sexual abuse.

DC Natalie Miller said: “Ambridge’s vile abuse of these two girls has had a profound impact on them and I am glad he has been handed such a significant sentence.

“The abuse has had a long lasting impact on their lives and we understand the enormous courage it took for them to come forward.

“We encourage people to approach us for help, regardless of when the offence took place, and we will do our absolute utmost to get them justice.”

Parents and carers can visit the Parents Protect website which is run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, for resources to help identify and prevent child sexual abuse.

The NSPCC website has a wealth of information on how to talk to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse, including the PANTS underwear rule:

P – Privates are private

A – Always remember your body belongs to you

N – No means no

T – Talk about secrets that upset you

S – Speak up, someone can help

To report child sex abuse, call police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Anyone affected by crime can also contact Signpost for free and confidential support, whether the crime has been reported to police or not. For further information, visit www.signpostforbedfordshire.com.