A paedophile who sexually abused a seven year old boy by buying him sweets and telling him the assaults were normal has been jailed.

Ian Johnson was found guilty of four offences, including buggery, and this week begins an 11 year sentence behind bars.

The 59-year-old was arrested in 2016 after a man disclosed historical abuse by Johnson over a five year period from 1992 when he was just seven-years-old.

The boy had been led to believe the abuse was normal and only realsied it wasn’t when he went to secondary school.

Johnson, of Eastgate, Peterborough was found guilty of gross indecency, two counts of indecent assault and buggery.

Jurors heard how Johnson bought the victim sweets to win his trust before abusing him up to a couple of times a week.

Detective Constable Faye Patterson said: “The victim in this case was extremely brave for coming forward after suffering such horrific abuse.

“Johnson convinced his victim it was normal behaviour to ensure the abuse continued for as long as possible.

“I hope today’s sentence gives the victim some closure knowing Johnson is now behind bars.”

Johnson was sentenced to five years and eight years for indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, 18 months for gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 and 11 years for buggery with a boy under the age of 16, to be served concurrently.

He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

An NSPCC spokesperson for the East of England said: “Johnson subjected a defenceless young boy to a sickening ordeal and hid behind the innocence of his victim who believed the abuse was normal.

“This sentence shows that when victims bravely come forward they will be believed and supported no matter how much time has passed since the abuse took place.

“We need to empower children to recognise abuse for what it is and report it when it happens, which is why the NSPCC speaks to children as young as five as part of our Speak Out Stay Safe schools service.

“Adults concerned the about the welfare of a child or non-recent abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline anytime on 0800 1111.”

• If you are concerned about a child who may be being abused or for further information on spotting the signs of child abuse, visit https://www.cambs.police.uk/information-and-services/Child-protection/Child-abuse.