'Evil' predator jailed for 25 years for sex attacks on children

A SICK predator has been jailed for 25 years after being found guilty of historical child sex offences.

Dean Randall (41) began his offending more than two decades ago while he was living in the New Forest but it was only recently that his victims came forward.

Randall (pictured) had denied a total of 25 charges – all but one of which concerned a child under 16 – and stood trial at Southampton Crown Court.

The offences, which took place between 1993 and 2004, included four counts of rape, three of buggery, four of indecency with a child and 15 of indecent assault.

After hearing the evidence the jury convicted him of all counts.

His sentencing hearing was told Randall inflicted a “tirade of abuse”, but in 2017 the victims went to Hampshire Constabulary to tell their story and get justice for what had happened to them.

Because Randall, who had been living latterly at Prince Wales Road, Bournemouth, denied the allegations his victims had to relive their harrowing experiences in court.

Speaking after case, Det. Sgt. Russ Smith from Hampshire police’s Western Investigation Team said: “Randall perpetrated repeatedly evil crimes against his victims, and now as adults they have broken the silence.

“The verdict and sentence is testament to their courage and bravery in coming forward.

“I sincerely hope this begins to bring some closure to those he affected, and that it helps others who have suffered similar abuse to find the confidence to come forward and speak to the police knowing their voices will be heard.”

DS Smith added: “We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police on 101 where you can speak with our specialist detectives in confidence.”