A man from Plumstead has been jailed for 32 years and six months after being found guilty of 33 sexual offences over 20 years.

Steven Burt, 61 was sentenced on Friday, April 20 at Isleworth Crown Court. He was also ordered to pay his six victims, four female and two male, a total of £62,000.

During the ten-day trial, the judge commended the work of police officer Nikki Honey and DC Gemma Major for their "care and skill" in handling the case.

As the trial concluded, Mr Burt was found guilty of the following offences:

- 14 counts of indecent assault on a male child

- Two counts of buggery of a male

- Four counts of buggery of a female

- Eight counts of indecent assault on a female

- Two counts of indecency with a child

- Two counts of sexual intercourse with a child

- One count on actual bodily harm

At his hearing on February 27 in Isleworth Crown Court, Mr Burt pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful intercourse with a child in 1980.

Burt's crimes were first reported to police in 2014, when a man he had abused since the age of eight and into his teens contacted officers. After he spoke out, five other victims were identified.

After being arrested in November 2014, Burt was charged in June 2017.

All offences were committed in Feltham and Plumstead, on children aged six to 13.

One of Burt's female victims said: "When I was abused, it changed my life. I have never been so scared. This continued for years. I was so scared of the abuser carrying out all the threats he made. I was scared people would blame me, that this was my fault.

"I was ashamed. I believed him when he said no one would believe me, that people would think I was dirty and sordid. I believed that I was wrong and should have stopped it. I carried this dark secret with me, whilst trying to get on with my life, but it was always there

She added that she does not regret speaking out about the abuse she suffered and said: "Secrecy is what abusers use to continue their despicable behaviour. Secrecy is their weapon.

"All I can say is if you have been abused, please speak out, please get support, and please help stop this happening to someone else. Enough is enough."

Police are urging anyone else who may have been a victim of Mr Burt to come forward. DC Gemma Major from the Chils Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said:

"Burt is a prolific offender who, over a significant period of time, abused young children. I am grateful that they have since come forward so that we could take the necessary action to bring him before the courts.

"I would like to take this opportunity to praise their bravery and resolve, and hope that today will further help them move on with their lives, knowing that Burt has been punished for his crimes.

"Given the number of victims and offences that Burt has been convicted of, it cannot be ruled out that there are other victims who have yet to contact police."

She added that anyone who came forward would be supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone who would like to speak to police can contact the Met Police's Sexual Exploitation Team on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.