A MAN who carried out horrific sex attacks at a children's home has been jailed.

Willy John Gillham, 64, committed offences including rape and indecent assault at the former Palmerston House children's home on Botley Road, Romsey.

After he was jailed for 15 years at Southampton Crown Court the NSPCC said Gillham's actions "betrayed [the victim] in the worst possible way".

Gillham, who had moved to France, was found guilty of indecent assault and three counts of rape relating to incidents that happened in the 1980s.

An NSPCC statement says: “Gillham’s victim was in a setting which should have been entirely safe.

"Instead they were betrayed in the worst possible way by someone who should have been protecting them from harm.

"His victim may have waited a long time for justice but it is in part thanks to their bravery that Gillham was brought before the courts, solid proof that it is never too late to speak out about past abuse.

"Sexual abuse ruins childhoods and the devastating effects can last into adulthood without the right support.

"We hope the victim in this case has received the available help so they can move forward with their life."

Anyone who is a victim of child sexual exploitation can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.