A NATIONAL children’s organisation has praised the bravery of the victims of a shamed Andover charity founder who was sentenced to 16 years in prison last week for historic child sex offences.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, Ronald Nicholson Bennett was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault against one girl under the age of 16 and one count of gross indecency against a second victim under the age of 14 following a week-long trial at Winchester Crown Court.

It took the jury, made up of nine men and three women, just over a day to convict the 72-yearold, who founded the disbanded Brave Hearts Children’s Charity, of the crimes which took place in Hampshire and East Anglia during the 1980s.

After making no comment interviews to police when he was arrested on two occasions, one in 2013 and one in 2015, Bennett did not enter the witness box to defend himself against the charges.

Bennett founded Brave Hearts in 1991 to support disadvantaged children and received a Pride of Andover award from television presenter Esther Rantzen in 2007 for his fundraising efforts.

Following this paper’s report of the sentencing, the NSPCC came forward with a statement praising the bravery of the victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Bennett’s depraved crimes went undetected for almost three decades. However justice has finally caught up with him.

“It’s hard to countenance a more shocking betrayal of trust than by someone responsible for the care of children. The effects of abuse can last a lifetime and his victims have been incredibly brave in coming forward.

“It’s vitally important that abuse victims come forward and report what has happened so they can get the help they may need and abusers can be brought to justice.”

Adults with any issues or concerns about children can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Children and young people can call ChildLine on 0800 1111, or get help online at childline.org. uk