Victims of sick paedophile who abused them more than 40 years ago speak after facing him in court

TWO victims of a paedophile who sexually abused them as children more than 40 years ago have spoken of their relief after he was jailed for nine years.

Sydney Jupp, 64, (pictured above) was found guilty of eight counts of gross indecency with a child and four counts of indecent assault of a child that happened in the 1970s.

His victims, who were a boy and a girl aged under 16 at the time who cannot be named for legal reasons, said yesterday they wished they had come forward sooner as they spoke of the harrowing experience of giving evidence in court in front of the monster and their fears they may not be believed by the jury.

One of his victims said: “The whole process of speaking to police and going to court was hard but ultimately I am glad I did it. “It was very emotional giving evidence in court and I was very worried about it, but I am so glad I found the courage to do it and it is all over now. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be believed, but I am glad the jury believed me. “I wish I had the courage to speak up sooner but I now have the strength to get on with my life without the terrible things that happened to me holding me back. I finally feel I can get on with living again. “I hope my experience will give other people who have been abused the courage to come forward and give them hope that they will achieve justice. “If this has happened to you, please come forward and speak to the police. Don’t let the people who have harmed you get away with it." Jupp's other victim said: “I wish I had come forward sooner. “I always thought that I had dealt with this in my life, but giving evidence this week has lifted a black cloud I never knew existed.” Jupp, from Billericay, Essex, where the offences happened, was convicted on THursday after a four day trial that ended on Thursday. The victims came forward to police in 2017 and officers began an investigation. In May that year Jupp also admitted at the same court to downloading hundreds of indecent images of children. He downloaded 57 of the most vile category A images, 53 category B images and 163 category C images. The offences took place on or before June 12 2016. Following further extensive enquiries into the historic sex offending, Jupp was summonsed back to the court in October 2019. He was sentenced to nine years in prison at the court on Thursday. Upon release he will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Investigating officer DC Ian Burgess said: “I want to praise the bravery of both victims for coming forward and supporting the prosecution of Sydney Jupp. “I know it has been very difficult for them having to face their abuser in court, but I hope his conviction and sentencing will give them comfort that they have been believed and justice has been done. “I urge anyone who has been abused to not be afraid of speaking to us, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. “We will listen to you, make sure you are supported and investigate to bring offenders to justice. “If you are not ready to speak to police, there are other organisations who can help you. Please don’t suffer in silence.” There are a number of ways you can contact us.