TWO child rapists from Weymouth have been jailed for a total of more than 35 years following a series of horrific attacks against girls.

Police have praised brave victims for reporting the historic offences.

Kenneth James Rogers, 59 and of Weymouth, previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of rape of a child under the age of 16, one count of rape of a child under the age of 13, indecent assault, assault of a child under the age of 13 and possession of indecent images of a child.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday February 8 to 27 years in prison.

Michael John Rogers, 56 and of Weymouth, was found guilty on Tuesday January 11 of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 16 and one count of attempted witness intimidation following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He also appeared for sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday February 8 and was jailed for eight years and nine months.

The investigation began in January 2020 after two of the victims made a disclosure to police.

It was later established that Kenneth Rogers’ offending was committed over a period of three decades, spanning from the 1980s to the 2000s, involving three different victims.

Kenneth Rogers was arrested on Thursday February 6 and interviewed, where he admitted sexually touching his victims.

A few days later on Monday February 10 Michael Rogers attended Weymouth police station and was arrested and subsequently released on police bail. While on bail, he made threats toward one of the victims.

Michael Rogers was found to have raped his victim twice during the 1980s.

Detective Constable Stuart Beasley, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I would like to praise the four victims in this case for their bravery when coming forward to report what happened to them to police.

“They have all showed great courage while supporting the investigation and helping to ensure that both defendants were jailed for their terrible actions.

“I hope this case encourages others to find the strength to come forward to report any sexual abuse to the police to allow for a thorough investigation to be carried out.

“I am pleased that both Kenneth and Michael Rogers are now serving prison terms for their despicable offending.”

Advice is now being offered on how to report child abuse to authorities.

Dorset Police: For non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, go to www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online where you can pass on the details of your concerns to us using the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger please dial 999.

Crimestoppers: Call anonymously on 0800 555 111

Local Children’s Social Care:

STARS Dorset www.starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service / 01202 308858

The Shores - Dorset SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) 01202 552 056

BCP Council 01202 093131

Dorset Council (Children’s Advice and Duty Service) 01305 228866

You can also report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk

For more information visit:

• Child Online Safety Advice: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/crime-prevention-help-advice/cyber-crime/child-online-safety/

• NWG: http://www.nwgnetwork.org/

• Barnardos: http://www.barnardos.org.uk

• NSPCC 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk, www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation

• National Helpline for male victims of CSE: 07808 863 662

• UK safer internet centre website: www.saferinternet.org.uk

• CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: www.thinkuknow.co.uk

• Concerned about your thoughts or behaviour? Visit: www.stopitnow.org.uk

• Child Online Safety: www.internetmatters.org