Bexley: A pensioner is facing jail after being convicted of 11 charges of indecency against two young girls.

Joseph Tolfree, aged 74, of Riverside Road, Sidcup, had pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, to all the charges some of which dated back 20 years.

One of his victims, now aged 29, told how Tolfree had simulated sex with her and indecently assaulted her when she was aged between nine and 12.

The assaults began when she was staying at his home and woke up to find him touching her.

He also assaulted her while in his car.

"The last time anything happened was when I was about 12. I remember he gave me £2 and told me to keep quiet.

"He never acted any differently. For me, it became a way of life. I didn't know if it was right or wrong. I didn't tell anyone until I was about 21."

Her sister, 26, told the court Tolfree had behaved in a similar way with her, starting when she was aged about six. "It happened nearly every time," she said.

A third sister, now aged 27, said she had been aged about eight when Tolfree entered the bathroom as she was getting dried and exposed himself to her. "I said 'Don't. Stop it. What are you doing?' I felt something I didn't like was happening."

The family, from the Dartford area, had visited Tolfree's home until the eldest daughter revealed the truth about Tolfree's activities to them eight years ago.

He was found guilty of seven charges of indecent assault and four of indecency with a child and was remanded for three weeks for reports.

November 21, 2001 12:00