'Dangerous and predatory' historic Wiltshire sex offender jailed for 16 years
The offences took place during the 1970s
Last updated 14th Jan 2021
A west Wiltshire man has been sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment, for a series of historic child sex offences.
Raymond John Hollis, of Briar Close in Westbury, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of the offences - dating back to the 1970s.
He abused one victim in Camberley, Surrey, over a six-year period. The child was aged between 5 and 11 at the time.
Almost five decades after the crimes took place, the victim contacted police in March 2019.
Officers found and arrested Hollis the following month and launched a major investigation.
In December 2019, the 79-year-old was charged with six counts of indecent assault on a child under 13 and six counts of gross indecency with a child under 13 between 1973 and 1979.
He was sentenced on 12 January 2021.
'Serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated'
Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Mike Powell, of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: “The victim has shown remarkable courage and bravery in coming forward and reporting this offence to police.
“This conviction sends a clear message to anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse that we will do all we can to investigate each case fully and seek to prosecute those responsible.
"Likewise I hope that this sentence sends a clear message to the perpetrators of these offences that no matter how much time has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated".
Support and advice for sexual assault victims is available from Surrey Police here.