A Walthamstow pensioner has been jailed for two years after he pleaded guilty to a string of historic child sex offences.

David Smith, 76, of Hermitage Walk, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, May 20 after admitting three assaults on a teenage boy during 1980 and 1981.

Smith carried out the assaults, all relating to a single victim, at several addresses in the Cosham area of Portsmouth.

The court heard how he showed the boy pornographic material, before he masturbated, encouraging his victim to do the same.

Investigating officer DC Nicola Rose, from Hampshire Police, said: “Smith was seen as a trusted and responsible member of the local community, who used this to his advantage.

“I am pleased that the court has shown how seriously it takes these offences, which is reflected by the sentence imposed.

"Smith's actions have significantly impacted his victim throughout his life, he has shown great courage in coming forward to seek justice.

“I hope that this sentence helps in some ways to come to terms with what has happened.”

In addition to his sentence, Smith was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.