A pensioner has been convicted of historical indecent assaults dating back to the 1980s.
Harold Wharton, 73, of Ripley Avenue, North Shields, was found unanimously guilty of six counts of indecent assaults against a girl under 14 and two counts of indecency with a child.
He appeared at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, November 30. The charges all relate to offences committed in Dalton in Furness in the late 1980s to early 1990s.
Detective constable McFall of Barrow Criminal Investigation Department said: “The jury in this case unanimously found Wharton guilty of these crimes and the message from their decision is clear.
“Complaints of sexual offences for incidents that happened over three decades ago or longer will be taken seriously by police and justice can still be served.
“No matter how much time has passed, support is available in Cumbria. The constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support, which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.”
Wharton was remanded in custody by Judge Preston and will be sentenced for his crimes on February 23.
