Justice caught up with an elderly pervert who molested two young girls more than 45 years ago, when he was jailed for six-and-a-half years this week.

Charles Rose was living in Staffa Road, Loose, when he committed the offences in the 1970s.

The 79-year-old, who has since moved to Penwortham in Preston, Lancashire, denied five charges of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child, but was convicted.

Maidstone Crown Court heard one of his victims told how the abuse changed her life and said she still felt the shame.

James Partridge, defending, said complaints about the behaviour were first made in 2010 but nothing more happened until he stood trial. He submitted a suspended sentence could be imposed.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said evidence given by the two women was “harrowing and compelling”, even though they were talking about events which happened in the early 1970s.

“The evidence showed you took the opportunity over a period of many months to abuse each of them separately, but systematically,” he said.

Rose touched them indecently and got them to fondle him. He would kiss them inserting his tongue in their mouths.

“It is quite apparent your behaviour towards them had a very grave and lasting effect on them and persists until today,” said the judge.

One of the victims spoke about Rose having stolen her childhood and causing her lifelong problems, especially in relationships with others.

“For the long-term and persistent effects on the victims you must accept the full burden of responsibility,” Judge Griffith-Jones continued.

“I hope today may represent some degree of closure finally for them. Your culpability is very high in that your offending involved grooming.

“Your behaviour caused severe psychological harm to your victims. The assaults were numerous and sustained.”

The judge recognised that Rose’s wife had medical problems, including dementia, and the sentence would inflict punishment on her.

Although the pensioner had the matter hanging over him for a long period, he could have brought it to an end by admitting his guilt, the judge added.

Rose will serve half the sentence in prison and be on licence for a further year at the end of the full term. His name will appear on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.