A pensioner from Chippenham has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child, 45 years after the assault.

Donald Winchcombe, of Brake Mead in Chippenham, assaulted a female child between 1978 and 1979 when the victim was only 10 years old, but the crime was never reported at the time.

But standing at trial at Salisbury Crown Court 45 years later, the now 74-year-old has been found guilty of indecent assault and is due to be sentenced on May 13, 2024.

“I would like to thank the victim for the bravery she has shown in contacting police in relation to her ordeal,” said Detective Constable Laura Barwood.

“Not only that, but I’d like to commend her for the bravery she showed in the courtroom during the trial.

“She has had to relive her experiences twice now in front of a jury after the first trial ended abruptly when the offender became ill.

"I hope this verdict will provide her with some closure, however, I completely understand that no sentence will ever compensate for what he did to her.”

Wiltshire Police has encouraged anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to come forward.

“You will be fully supported by our officers and we will also be able to direct you to support agencies who can provide further, long-term support,” she added.