A Normandy man who sexually abused a child has begun an 18-year sentence after being found guilty of 18 offences of sexual abuse carried out in the 1970s and 80s.

Brian Manders, 79, is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison as he will be ineligible for parole for at least 12 years, following his sentencing on January 30 at Guildford Crown Court.

He was found guilty on December 12 and had been in custody since the verdict.

Manders carried out sustained attacks on the child for several years before she reached the age of 16.

He also forced another girl to be present during the attacks and abused her too, the court heard, although he was not tried for these offences.

However, the abuse in front of the other child was judged to be an aggravating feature, as were the three previous cautions given to Mander: two in 1992 for indecent assault against a child, and one in the 1970s for exposing himself to a woman while working as a council facilities cleaner.

Harrowing victim statements from both women were read in court, with the one of the women opting to read her own.

Both spoke of the traumatic ongoing effects on their mental and physical health and on their relationships.

Addressing Manders, one woman said: “I want my life back. We get one chance at life and mine has been tainted by you. I want to start living life to the full again.

“With time, support and counselling, hopefully I will find my freedom, just as you lose yours.”