A PENSIONER who sexually abused three children has been convicted of 18 offences.

Graham Carson, 67, had assaulted the children between 2011 and 2014.

He had told one victim “wish you were 16” while telling another that the assaults would be “their secret”.

One of the children also told officers since the assaults they had started to suffer nightmares and experienced trouble sleeping at night.

The offences came to light when they were reported to police in August 2020.

Carson, of The Drive, Clacton, was arrested and later charged.

He denied all the charges but following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, he was convicted on Friday. He is due to be sentenced at the same court at a later date.

Investigating officer Det Con Reuben Brame said: “The three victims in this case have demonstrated incredible strength in coming forward to report what happened to them.

“Graham Carson subjected them to an unimaginable ordeal and then forced them to re-live it through a trial.

“The impact of these crimes cannot be overstated. Those affected live with the memory of what has happened to them and it impacts their lives every day.

“Carson is a serial abuser who has carried out the most horrific crimes. I am pleased our work now means he has been held accountable for his actions and he now faces a significant amount of time behind bars.

“His conviction will not undo his crimes but I hope it will help his victims move forward.”

Det Con Brame added: “If you have been a victim of a sexual crime, I want you to know that you can come forward and have the confidence that you will be believed and the offence investigated.

“We have a range of specially trained detectives and staff who investigate sexual offences and support those involved.

“And we work with partners to ensure victims can get ongoing support.

“If you’ve been a victim of a sexual offence, call us.”