Graham Goodchild 82

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A Southampton man has been jailed for 25 years for historic sexual offences committed against four children in Merseyside.

Graham Goodchild, 82, of Firtree Way, denied the offences but following a trial was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on June 11.

Yesterday he was jailed for 17 counts of sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault.

The offences against the four male victims occurred in the 1960s and early 1970s, during which time he was working as a Night Superintendent at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The majority of the sexual assaults occurred within parks, the homes of the victims or at Goodchild’s home in Merseyside, with one victim being abused at the hospital.

As well as a prison sentence, Goodchild will be required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective Constable Jason Banks, who led the investigation, said: “Goodchild is clearly a predator and used his position of trust to carry out appalling and despicable offences against young children.

"The level of offending in this case and the acts he subjected his victims to were truly horrific.

“I’d like to thank the victims for their immense courage and strength they’ve shown throughout this investigation. This sentencing result has only been made possible thanks to their bravery.”

Specially Trained Officer, Jill Burnett, who supported the victims throughout the investigation, added: “I hope this also encourages others who might have been subjected to instances of historical abuse to come forward because no time is a barrier to reporting offences.

"They will get the support and advice they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal, and if they so wish, put their abuser before the courts."