A MAN has been jailed for 18 years today after being found guilty of nine sexual offences, including those against children.

Keith Worthington of Silkstone Street in West Park was found guilty after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, August 10.

The three victims suffered nine sexual offences by the 47-year-old.

He was found guilty of two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of indecent assault on a male, rape of a boy under 13, rape, serious sexual assault of a child and two counts of rape of a child under 13 years.

Merseyside Police have welcomed the sentence which also includes an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the offences, the majority of which took place in the 2000s.

Detective Constable Wayne McGuffie said: "Worthington’s victims have shown an immense amount of bravery coming forward.

“Time should never be a barrier to obtaining justice and I hope today's sentence gives his victims some sense of closure and vindicates their decision to come forward."

There are specially trained local officers in the Protecting Vulnerable People Units (PVPUs), who thoroughly investigate allegations and make sure that those reporting are properly supported.

Detective Inspector Jacky Fitzpatrick said that Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offences extremely seriously, whether or not they are recent.

She added: “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated."

People can call Merseyside Police on 101 or report matters on line. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Worthington’s campaign of abuse against these three boys is truly horrifying.

“What his young victims have suffered at his hands is unthinkable and he has put each through further grief by forcing them to endure a trial

“They should be given every support to help them move forward with their lives.

“Anyone with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC’s confidential helpline on 0808 8005000, children can call Childline on 0800 1111.”