Hanley pervert Alec Bingham jailed for assaults on three girls

PENSIONER Alec Bingham has been jailed for four years after he indecently assaulted three girls.

The 67-year-old, above, who once lived at The Travellers Rest at Leekbrook, Leek, left the youngsters 'petrified' and extremely distressed by their ordeals.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told one of the girls went on to suffer a number of breakdowns and has self-harmed.

The pensioner's crimes were reported at the end of 2010.

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The court heard that when the victims were being interviewed in January last year Bingham tried to take his own life.

Prosecutor Nick Tatlow said: "He was found by police at the side of the Leek to Buxton road in the area of the Roaches.

"He was bleeding from both his wrists.

"When stopped by a police officer he said: 'I have been a bad boy'."

But Bingham, of Hodnet Grove, Hanley, made complete denials to the accusations put to him in his police interview.

However, the pensioner, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to three charges of indecent assault at a crown court hearing in May.

His admissions prevented his victims having to give evidence in a trial.

Anis Ali, mitigating, said Bingham is beginning to recognise the consequences and the full extent of his offending.

"He has accepted responsibility and has demonstrated a willingness to engage in any form of assistance or help he is given," added Mr Ali.

Judge Paul Glenn told Bingham his offending was aggravated because he targeted three vulnerable girls.

"Even now, you appear unable or unwilling to comprehend the damage you did to them.

"But to your credit you spared them having to give evidence," added the judge.

Bingham will be released after serving half the four-year jail sentence.

He was disqualified from working with children indefinitely and the court also barred him from taking part in a range of activities involving children and vulnerable adults.

And his name will be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.