A PAEDOPHILE who police say considered himself 'untouchable' has been jailed more than 50 years after he began preying on young boys.

Terrence Ryan, now 77, sexually assaulted a young boy in the early 1960s and went on to abuse three more children in the 2000s.

The pensioner came to the attention of police after one of his victims came forward to Northumbria Police.

Ryan, from the Warrington area, was arrested and denied the allegations. But he later pleaded guilty to 14 counts of historical child sexual abuse.

Last Friday, Ryan, of Austral Avenue, Warrington, was jailed for 14 years and eight months at Newcastle Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Andrea Burns who led the investigation has praised the bravery of the victims for speaking out. 

Det Sgt Burns said: "This man thought he was untouchable and continued to abuse young boys for more than 50 years.

“My heart goes out to the brave victims who have suffered in silence for so long, and I hope the sentencing of Ryan gives them all a sense of solace and closure. Their courage, strength and determination for Ryan to be brought to justice has been utterly commendable.

“Some of these offences were committed in the early 1960s, yet we have still been able to seek justice for the victims.

“No-one deserves to suffer the way these victims have so please, if you have been a victim of abuse, speak out.

“We are here to help.” 

If you have been a victim of any form of abuse, police urge you to contact them via the 'Tell us Something' page on the Northumbria Police website or call 101

More advice and  support about abuse can also be found on the Northumbria Police website.