An 82-year-old man has been jailed for 19 years after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing three young girls in West Berkshire in the 1960s and 1970s.

David Fisher, of Halifax Place, Thatcham, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court yesterday (21/9) after a jury found him guilty of 12 historic sexual offences against three victims who were children at the time, following a trial this summer.

The court heard that Fisher, who worked for the former Berkshire County Council and lived in Hampstead Norreys when the offences were committed, subjected the girls to repeated sexual abuse over a six-year period. The victims were aged just 10 and 11 when the abuse began.

The offences were reported decades later after one of the victims saw Fisher on a bus.

A Thames Valley Police investigation subsequently identified two further victims and uncovered a sustained pattern of offending between 1966 and 1972.

During the trial, jurors heard how Fisher would persuade the children to get into his car before driving them to secluded woodland areas across West Berkshire, where he sexually abused them. This included areas near Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, Bucklebury, Yattendon, Frilsham, Stanford Dingley, Hermitage and Aldworth.

Fisher was found guilty of:

• Six counts of rape
• One count of attempted rape
• Four counts of indecency with a child
• One count of indecent assault

He was convicted of five counts of rape, that occurred on at least 50 occasions, in connection with victim one.

Fisher was convicted of three counts of indecently assaulting victim two.

In relation to victim three, he was convicted of one count of attempted rape on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecent assault on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecency with a child on at least 10 occasions and one count of rape.

Sentencing Fisher to 19 years’ imprisonment, Judge Rachel Drake praised the courage and resilience shown by the victims in coming forward.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Alex Lister, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “David Fisher committed appalling offences against three young girls over a number of years, abusing their trust and causing harm that has remained with them for decades.

“I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and bravery throughout the investigation and trial. They have ensured that Fisher has finally been held accountable for his actions.

“This case shows that no matter how much time has passed, we will listen to victims, investigate reports thoroughly and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence can report it by calling 101, making a report online or visiting a police station. In an emergency, always call 999.

Historic sexual offences will always be investigated, and victims will be listened to and supported throughout the process.