AN ELDERLY paedophile who abusing three young girls — one of whom was just four when the offending began — has been jailed for what police dubbed his 'appalling crimes'.
Michael McCafferty, 74, had denied four counts of indecent assault and three counts of making indecent images of a child but was found guilty by a jury at Derby Crown Court.
At the same court on Tuesday, McCafferty was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.
"I cannot speak highly enough of the brave women who came forward to report these appalling crimes to police," said Detective Constable Gavin Owen.
"They showed great courage and remained steadfast throughout a lengthy investigation and trial."
Decade of abuse
McCafferty's offending came to light when a woman came forward to report that he had abused her for almost a decade.
The abuse began in the early 1990s when she was just four years old.
McCafferty, of Church Lane, Selston, Nottinghamshire, subjected the girl to sexual touching and digital penetration.
After contacting police, two other women later came forward to report that McCafferty had sexually touched and kissed them when they were young teenagers.
Further ordeal
"I know how much today's sentencing means to them, particularly after McCafferty put them all through the secondary ordeal of a trial after denying the abuse that he inflicted upon them," added DC Owen.
"Nothing can change the impact this abuse has had on their lives, but I hope that today's sentencing provides them with a sense of closure and security to know that McCafferty is behind bars and unable to hurt anyone else.
"I also hope that the publicity around this case empowers anyone out there who has been affected by sexual violence or abuse to speak up and seek support.
"The survivors in this case came forward in recent years, despite the onset of this offending happening in the '90s.
"This shows that even cases of non-recent sexual abuse can result in a conviction.
"If you feel able, please report what happened to you — we will listen, we will support you, and we will not judge."
McCafferty must remain on licence for a year after his release.
See More: Derbyshire Constabulary
