An elderly pervert who sexually abused children years ago has been jailed for almost 20 years.

Ian Tucker will not be eligible to apply for parole until he has served nearly 10 years of the sentence.

A judge told the 75-year-old former Post Office worker: “You will probably spend much, if not the rest of your life, in custody. That’s just a matter of chance.”

Tucker, of Blenheim Road, Littlestone, New Romney, committed the offences in the Tunbridge Wells and London areas.

He had previously protested his innocence but then admitted nine charges of indecent assault, one of gross indecency and another serious sexual offence.

Judge Jeremy Carey said at Maidstone Crown Court that Tucker had a particular desire to molest little girls. One was as young as four.

“Thank goodness she had the strength to say ‘You will never do that again’, said the judge.

Tucker also abused a young boy. An impact statement from him as an adult revealed the long-term effect he suffered.

He groped another young girl. “She never forgot that,” said Judge Carey. “It came back to her and she told her parents. Her impact statement is a moving one.”

Two other vulnerable girls also fell victim to Tucker’s lust.

“Their lives have been affected by those incidents,” said the judge. “They are appalled at what you did.”

Judge Carey said there would be no automatic right of release at the halfway point in the sentence of 19-and-a-half years.

“Their lives have been affected by those incidents, they are appalled at what you did.” - Judge Jeremy Carey

Tucker’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register and a sexual harm prevention order was made, both indefinitely.

Christopher Harding, defending, said Tucker felt deep shame about the offending.
“Prison at his age will have a considerable impact, but he doesn’t complain because he knows what he has done,” said Harding.

“He admits responsibility and has spared those assaulted at his hands the further upset and anxiety of having to give evidence.

“He is unlikely to have any significant life outside of prison.”

Tucker suffered from type two diabetes, a back injury and high blood pressure. He had sold his property so that his wife and family would be secure financially.”

After the hearing, an NSPCC spokesman said: “Tucker’s long, sickening campaign of abuse will have changed the lives of five vulnerable children.

“He no doubt thought he’d evaded justice but thanks to the courage of his victims he is now finally behind bars. Hopefully the sentence will bring them some form of comfort.

“Child sexual abuse ruins lives and it’s extremely important that survivors have the confidence to come forward, no matter how much has time passed.”

Help is always available through the NSPCC helpline, 24 hours, seven days a week. Call 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.