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A man who sexually abused three young girls by exploiting his position of trust in a Wallington Jehovah's Witness congregation has been jailed for 15 years.

Michael Hewitt, 71, now of Omaha Way, in Fremington, Devon, was found guilty of eight counts of indecency with children, all of whom were under 16 at the time.

Hewitt lived on Demesne Road, in Wallington, during the 1980s, and whilst there he abused young members of the Jehovah's Witness community.

Two of Hewitt's victims were jut five years old when the abuse started. The abuse was carried out at his or the victims' homes, all of which went undetected by family members.

On January 11, 2016 two of the victims reported what had happened to a family member who then contacted police. Hewitt was arrested later that month and bailed pending further enquiries.

Following extensive research by detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, the third victim was identified and agreed to give evidence when told Hewitt was under investigation for two similar offences.

(Image: Met Police)

In May 2017, Hewitt was charged with 11 counts of indecency with three girls under 16 years old. He was acquitted of three of these offences.

Whilst sentencing, the judge described Hewitt as a significant risk to young children and a dangerous offender.

In addition to the 15-year jail sentence, Hewitt will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and was given a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

Detective Constable Janet Williams, the investigating officer from the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: "The victims were abused by Hewitt at a very early age.

"Only when they were older were they able to understand what Hewitt subjected them to. Hewitt abused his position of trust to exploit the young girls for his own satisfaction.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victims who had the courage to report these distressing crimes to police. I hope the conviction gives the victims a measure of comfort and closure."

A NPSCC spokeswoman said: “Hewitt abused the trust placed in him in the worst possible way.

“He may have thought he had got away with his abhorrent actions but thanks to his victims’ bravery in speaking out about their horrific ordeal justice has finally caught up with him.

“We all have a duty to protect children from harm and report abuse when it happens.

"To help keep children safe in faith settings and places of worship, the NSPCC has created a series of films. They can be viewed via the website www.nspcc.org.uk”