Following a Warwickshire Police investigation, a 74-year-old man has been sentenced for child sex offences which took place some 45 years ago in the Leamington area.

David Candlish, a former Spon End resident, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday (March 30) afternoon.

The offences for which he was convicted took place between 1976 and 1979 all on the same victim while Candlish was volunteering at a football team.

The victim, a teenage boy, was sexually assaulted on numerous occasions - the crimes were reported to the police in October 2019.

Candlish was interviewed in November 2019 and subsequently later pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault against a boy under 14. He has been sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer Det Con Sara Skinner from Warwickshire Police said: "Thanks to the victim's courage in coming forward, once these offences were reported to police we were able to investigate, and Candlish will now face justice for his actions.

"I hope this case reassures anyone who may have been a victim of sexual abuse, either non-recent or current, that Warwickshire Police is committed to providing help and support to victims and bringing offenders to justice.

"We will always thoroughly investigate, no matter when the abuse took place. There is help and support out there, so please don't suffer in silence."

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to report the incident to police by calling 101, where specially trained officers will help victims with care and sensitivity, and will work to get the right result for them with their wishes in mind. Always call 999 in an emergency.

There are a number of services available to people affected by sexual offences in Warwickshire. Click here for more information.