A paedophile who first started subjecting young boys to sexual abuse more than 50 years ago is facing jail.
Terrence Ryan, 77, began abusing a young boy in the early 1960s. He would go on to abuse three other victims until the late 2000s, ChronicleLive reports.
Ryan, of Woolston, Warrington, was then reported after a brave victim came forward to Northumbria Police and an investigation was launched by the force's Safeguarding unit.
Detective Sergeant Andrea Burns led the investigation which also identified three other victims.
Ryan was arrested and initially denied the allegations put before him.
However, he later pleaded guilty to 14 counts of historical child sexual abuse, including sexual touching, engaging in sexual activity with a child, inciting sexual activity with a child and oral rape .
He will be sentenced on August 13 at Newcastle Crown Court.
Det Sgt Burns said: "This man thought he was untouchable and continued to abuse young boys for more than 50 years.
"My heart goes out to the brave victims who have suffered in silence for so long and I hope the conviction of Ryan gives them all a sense of solace and closure.
"This also sends a really strong message that it is never too late to report sexual abuse to police. Some of these offences were committed in the early '60s yet we have still been able to seek justice for the victims.
"No-one deserves to suffer the way these victims have so please, if you have been a victim of abuse - speak out - we are here to help."
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse - recent or non-recent - is urged to contact police online via the Northumbria Police website or contact 101.
