Police chiefs have commended the “exceptional bravery” of victims of March paedophile Allan Hammond.

The 79-year-old, of Steeple View, was sentenced to 19 years in prison yesterday (Friday August 17).

“I would like to commend the exceptional bravery of the victims in this case,” said DC Claire Learmouth, of the Grays Child Abuse investigation team, who has led the investigation since the beginning.

“Without their courage in facing Hammond not once, but twice, in court, we may not have had this result.

“I hope that this can give the much-needed message to others that it is never too late for victims to come forward.”

Hammond had pleaded not guilty to 11 sexual charges, including rape, involving two under-age girls and a boy.

He was convicted after a three-week trial last month.

DC Stacie Collins said she hoped the “substantial sentence” would help the victims.

She added: “This was an incredibly difficult trial for the victims, and I cannot thank them enough for coming together and facing Hammond in court again.

“Sadly, we will never be able to get back the years he stole from them, but I hope that this substantial sentence can go some way in helping their lives move forward.”

The judge was told that Hammond could well die in prison because of health problems and his age.

The offences happened in Saffron Walden, Colchester, Chigwell, Chingford and Enfield in the 1960s, 1970s and 1990s when Hammond lived in Essex and ran his own business, Intercare Supply Services, based in Chadwell Heath.

Sentencing, the judge told Hammond his behaviour had had a “profound effect” on his two main victims.

The 60-year-old victim, who read her impact statement in court, said she never got to find out who she was or what she was capable of because she was “a child of sexual abuse”.

“I hate who I am,” she said with a trembling voice.

An NSPCC spokesperson for the East of England said: “Hammond’s vociferous denials of his sickening crimes forced his victims to continue living with the consequences of his abuse.

“But they bravely stood up to this vile predator, helping bring him to justice, and it’s vital they continue to receive the support they need. It is never too late to hold child sex offenders to account – survivors can report non-recent abuse and get support by calling the NSPCC’s Helpline.”

The NSPCC Helpline is available for adults to call anytime on 0808 800 5000.