Jack Lowe from Dibden Purlieu jailed for more than six years for sexually abusing children in the New Forest

A SERIAL sexual offender from the Waterside who abused three children in the New Forest has been jailed for more than six years.

Jack Lowe (26), of Depden Gardens in Dibden Purlieu, was convicted of 14 charges, described by police as "truly harrowing".

Southampton Crown Court heard the offences took place against three children between 2010 and 2011, and all occurred at a number of addresses in the New Forest.

DC Donna Kay, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We hope that today’s sentencing has provided Lowe’s victims some element of closure, knowing that he has been sentenced for the truly harrowing offences he committed against them.

"While the ordeals suffered at the hands of Lowe will undoubtedly remain with them, we again would like to praise their courage in coming forward and reporting these incidents to our officers.

“They have been incredibly brave in supporting the prosecution efforts and providing vital evidence at court – which for individuals so young is remarkable, given the extremely difficult circumstances they faced. We hope that they can now move on with their lives knowing that justice has been served.

“A thorough investigation by Hampshire Constabulary’s specialist Amberstone Unit has today resulted in a serial sexual offender being brought to justice."

Lowe was convicted of 10 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of attempted rape of a child under 13, one count of attempted sexual activity with a child and one count of raping a girl under 13.

As well as the six-and-a-half-year prison sentence, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register, which he will remain on for an indefinite period.

DC Kay also thanked the officers who worked alongside the victims for their "dedication to compiling vital evidence and information", enabling the force to secure a conviction.

“We are committed to getting justice for victims and would encourage anyone who has been victim of child sexual abuse, or those who know someone who has been impacted by child sexual abuse, to contact police on 101," she added. "They can speak with our specialist officers with confidence."

Survivors of sexual abuse are entitled to support whether they report the crime or not.

A force spokesperson said: "If you have have been a victim, you are urged to report rape or sexual assault as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100% sure, we’d sooner hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe.

"If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s okay. There are a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.

"You can speak to a number of organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be."

For more information, go to www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/