A MAN who sexually abused four young girls has been jailed.

Richard Jones, 63, was convicted of carrying out the offences between 1991 and 2002.

Jones, formerly known as Richard Ernest Bloch, lived in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison at Brighton Crown Court.

He was convicted of seven charges of indecent assault and two of gross indecency in Crawley, Kent and Middlesex.

Detective Sergeant Sian Harding of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit said: "Jones, who was known as Bloch until he changed his name in 1995, befriended the girl's families, worked his way into their confidence and systematically abused them, in most cases over a period of two or more years, for his own gratification. 

"This came to light in 2015 when police were investigating an unrelated matter which is still under investigation.

"We will always take seriously all reports of sexual offences, from however long ago, and try to investigate wherever possible, to seek to achieve justice for the victims if we can.”

"If anyone has other information or concerns that they would like to raise on learning of Jones' sentencing, then please contact me in confidence on 01273 404123."