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A 57-year-old man has been jailed for 14 years for sexually abusing three girls.

Robert Ponter, of Longwell Green in South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three counts of rape of a girl aged under 16.

He also admitted three indecent indecent assault charges against two victims.

DC Lucy Heaps said: “Robert Ponter took advantage of three girls over many years, exploiting their young age to carry out his vile crimes."

Ponter was also issued with an indefinite restraining order banning him from ever contacting his victims again, and he will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers first received reports about Pointer in 2007 and 2008, but there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences.

A third report in 2021 led to Ponter being charged in July 2024 for sexually abusing all three victims.

Investigating officer DC Heaps said: “All three of his victims have demonstrated great courage by reporting what happened to them and by providing evidence which resulted in Ponter pleading guilty to all the offences during his first appearance at court.

“They continue to have access to specialist support services and I hope the fact he has been jailed for 14 years gives them a sense of closure.”

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