Norwich: Man Jailed for Sex Offences

21 September 2012, 12:00 | Updated: 21 September 2012, 12:08

A 62-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of a string of sexual offences.

Stephen John Hawkes of Bowers Avenue, Norwich, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court  after being found guilty by jury of 10 counts of rape and sexual assaults.

Hawkes, who was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, was imprisoned following a three day trial.

The offences, which included three counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault against three females under the age of 16, took place in Norwich in the 1980s.

Detective Inspector Ross McDermott, of Norfolk's Specialist Rape Investigation Unit said, "Despite these offences being disclosed some 30 years after the event, a meticulous investigation has enabled this offender to be brought to justice. "Hopefully the verdict will give other victims of previously undisclosed similar crimes, the confidence to come forward and report matters to us.

"They can be safe in the knowledge that we will fight relentlessly for the truth and for justice not just for the victim, but also for the safety and protection of the wider public."