POLICE have welcomed the news that a Bonhill OAP who was found guilty of historic sexual offences was jailed today.

Norman Duncan, 70, was caged for five years- and the vile beast will also spend an indefinite period of time on the Sex Offenders' Register.

He was sentenced this morning at Dumbarton Sheriff Court after a series of historical sexual offences committed in the Bonhill area of West Dunbartonshire.

The offences related to four young girls and occurred between 1968 and 1976.

The investigation involved a team of specialist officers who worked tirelessly to ensure Duncan’s crimes were unearthed and justice was served.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Cordner, from Dumbarton Police Office, led the investigation.

He said today: "Norman Duncan managed to escape justice for 40 years and I have no doubt that he believed he would never be caught, but today, he is facing the consequences of his despicable crimes.

"Duncan preyed on four young girls and subjected them to things that no child should ever have to experience.

"I would like to thank the victims for their tremendous courage in coming forward, assisting officers with their enquiries, testifying in court, and ultimately ensuring that Duncan is now behind bars.

"I hope their bravery gives other victims the strength to report abuse to police because our officers will do absolutely everything in their power, and utilise all available resources, to bring the person responsible to account.

"This case also sends a clear message to perpetrators of abuse – no matter how long ago your crimes were committed, you are never safe from justice – as Norman Duncan has discovered today."