Rapist, 80, jailed for 28 years after police probe into historic sexual abuse

A man has been jailed for 28 years after a police investigation into historic sexual abuse. Eric Hindley, 80, of Moorlands Crescent in Mossley, Tameside, denied charges he faced, but was convicted by a jury after a trial, police have revealed.

He was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault and four counts of rape, Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. The offences, added police, occurred over more than two decades - between 1962 and 1984 - and involved six different victims.

Speaking after a sentencing hearing in which Hindley was locked up, police praised their 'immense bravery' in coming forward to report him.

Hindley appeared for sentence at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on the April 13 after being convicted following a trial, GMP said. After the hearing, police said Hindley was 'finally facing the consequences of his horrific actions'.

Detective Constable Michala Noone, of Tameside CID, said: "This was a thorough investigation which has taken a lot of work to gather enough evidence to be able to make sure we got the justice the victims in this case deserve.

"I would like to thank the victims for their immense bravery in coming forward and reporting what they had been through all those years ago and I hope that the sentence Hindley has received comes as some comfort to them - that he is finally facing the consequences of his horrific actions.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind any victims of sexual abuse who have not yet come forward, that we can help you, no matter how long ago the offences happened, we will do all we can to support you."

In a statement, GMP said Hindley was convicted following an investigation into 'non-recent sexual abuse'. The force said: "Eric