An 84-year-old man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child.

John Hayford, 84, from Stanmore, was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court last month of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl in 1991.

He was sentenced yesterday at the same court to two years in prison for sexual assault of a child under 13.

In 2012, Hayford handed himself in to police following a BBC Crimewatch appeal for a man who had sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl in a Stanmore supermarket.

A second victim was identified during the investigation who had previously come forward in 2000, alleging that Hayford had sexually abused her at an address in Stanmore in 1991.

This investigation was reopened, and Hayford attended Harrow Police Station in relation to this allegation in August 2012.

During the police interview, Hayford denied the offence, saying it was a conspiracy against him and that the allegation was lies made up by people jumping on the bandwagon because he had appeared on a BBC Crimewatch television appeal.

After a long police investigation and a review of all of the evidence, Hayford was charged with sexual assault of a child under 13.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Janine Stevenson said: "This has been a long and challenging investigation for all concerned. The victim and witnesses in this case have shown considerable patience, determination and courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial.

“I do hope that the incarceration of this sexual predator will provide some closure for the victim and a measure of satisfaction for the witnesses.

“I urge victims of sexual abuse to report any incidents to police. This case clearly demonstrates that offences of a sexual nature will not be tolerated and are fully investigated no matter how long ago they occurred.”

Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact Victim Support on 0808 1689 111.  or Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999.