A clown who was well known in the children's party circuit has been locked up after he preyed on vulnerable victims for more than 15 years.

Charles Mason was a regular at birthday parties and events across Epping Forest throughout the 1980s and 1990s, when his performances as Marmaduke the Clown and his collection of exotic animals were a hit with all ages.

But Mason, of Abridge Road, Theydon Bois, used his access to children to abuse young boys.

Mason was arrested last summer after a victim came forward and reported that he was sexually assaulted in a flat in Turnford during the 1980s when he was 12 or 13.

His account sparked an investigation by police and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which identified a further four victims.

They were all men who were aged between 12 and 20 when the offences occurred.

Speaking at Mason's sentencing at St Alban's Crown Court on October 11, Judge Marie Catterson said: “You earned your living as a children’s entertainer who kept exotic animals, you were an object of fascination to youngsters who were keen to visit you.

"You exploited that for your own gratification, you were significantly older than your victims.

“The effect of such abuse on those subjected to it is incalculable and profound.”

Mason had continued to do exotic animal shows through his company Impeyan Productions until it closed down following his arrest in August 2017.

On September 26 the 65-year-old was found guilty of 16 counts of non-recent sexual offences against children.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Piper said: “Mason used his position of trust as a children’s entertainer to abuse young boys and it was more than 30 years before one of the victims felt able to come forward and speak to police.

"His bravery led to us identifying more victims, arresting Mason and bringing him to justice.

“The victims in this case have lived with what happened to them for much of their childhood and their entire adult lives.

"I would like to commend them for their bravery in speaking to police and supporting this prosecution and I hope that the knowledge that Mason is now behind bars, where he will remain well into his old age, will bring them some closure to their ordeal.

“We believe there may be other victims who have not yet spoken to police about Mason and I would urge them to come forward.

"We have specially trained offices to deal with these types of non-recent offences and your case will be handled in a professional, compassionate and sensitive manner."

Judge Catterson jailed Mason for 16 years and made him subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.