Pensioner jailed for sex assaults

Preston Crown Court heard Dixon got his victims drunk

A Cumbrian pensioner has been jailed after admitting sex offences dating back almost 20 years.

Former newspaper seller Billy Dixon, 81, was given a two-year jail term at Preston Crown Court.

Dixon, from Broome Court, Carlisle, admitted six charges of unlawful sex, spanning nearly two decades.

He had worked as a news vendor in the city for more than 50 years.

'Sexual gratification'

During the trial Dixon claimed he paid his victim for sex - something she denied.

The court was also told he sometimes got her drunk, as part of the process of abuse.

In Dixon's defence it was claimed the loss of his longstanding reputation within the local community would be a greater punishment than a custodial sentence.

The Judge said he did not believe there had been a financial arrangement between Dixon and his victim.

He told Dixon: "You used the girl for your own selfish, sexual gratification."

He said that if it had not been for Dixon's age he would have been given a longer sentence.

He was given two years for each offence, to run concurrently.