A retired company director, who accused this newspaper of making up paedophile charges against him, has today been jailed for 17 years for what was described as “sickening abuse in a predatory campaign of exploitation” that lasted decades.

Allan Hammond, of March, accused our newspaper of lying when we ran a story about his first court appearance two years ago, and, in a letter to his neighbours, warned he was taking legal proceedings against us.

But today the 78-year-old was taken down to begin his sentence.

Hammond, of Steeple View, March, was found guilty of 11 historic sexual abuse charges spanning three decades.

He previously lived in Essex and the allegations relate to crimes carried out in Saffron Walden, Colchester, Enfield, Chigwell and Chingford.

n 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.

OUR REPORT FROM CHELMSFORD CROWN COURT WILL BE ON LINE SHORTLY.