Man jailed after being found guilty of historic child sexual abuse in Gloucestershire
The offences relate to abuse when the victims were between the ages of four and nine.
A man who seriously sexually abused three children in the late 1990s and early 2000s in Gloucestershire has been jailed.
The offences relate to abuse when the victims were between the ages of four and nine.
37 year-old David Leather, and of Wharfdale Way in Gloucester, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday - where he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
He had previously been found guilty by a jury of eight counts of rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child,
He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Elle MacLeod from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: "The victims have shown amazing courage in coming forward to the police and remained resilient in supporting the criminal justice process to its conclusion.
"I wish to commend the victims for their incredible bravery and strength, and for helping to ensure no further victims come to harm at the hands of this defendant.
"Now they finally have some acknowledgement for what they were subjected to, and I hope they can begin to rebuild their lives."
Detective Inspector Rory Ainslie, also from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, added: “The conviction of David Leather is the result of successful joined-up working from multiple agencies across the criminal justice system.
"Through this partnership approach we are transforming the way that the CPS and police handle rape and sexual assault cases, and are working together to ensure that victims are supported throughout the prosecution process.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary take allegations of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and we investigate them with the utmost sensitivity. We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice
“I would also like to commend the victims in this case for coming forward and supporting the prosecution. They have described in very honest detail the impact that this horrific offence has had on them and their families. Their courage and resilience, together with the dedication of the OIC DC MacLeod has ensured that we have achieved a positive outcome."