A HAMPSHIRE man has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of committing a spate of child sex offences across Eastleigh and Hedge End.

Michael Littlefield, 39, of Camborne Close, Bishopstoke, had previously been found guilty following a five-day trial at Southampton Crown Court in April.

He was convicted of eight counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, one count of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape of a child under 13 and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity by the same jury.

The court heard how Littlefield sexually abused three children on multiple occasions over a six-year period between 2014 and 2020 in the Eastleigh and Hedge End areas.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court he jailed for a total of 14 years in prison and will also have to spend four years on licence following his release.

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Kimberly Duncan, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I must place on record the incredible bravery of all three victims in coming forward and reporting the abuse committed by Littlefield.

"Each child showed maturity beyond their years in articulating the crimes committed against them.

“They were very young children when Littlefield decided to take away their innocence – the victims will now have to live with this ordeal for the rest of their lives – but a very dangerous man is now behind bars.

“We hope the sentencing can provide the victims with a sense of closure and comfort that he can no longer harm them.

“We want to show you that no matter the circumstances, Hampshire Constabulary are committed to supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault and we will do everything we can to identify offenders and put them in front of a court."

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