A 76-YEAR-OLD North Lincolnshire man who carried out a string of sex attacks on an underage boy has been jailed.

Brian Johnson, 76, of St Peter's Orchard, Barton-Upon Humber, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

As reported, he was charged with a total of eight sex offences, dating back more than 20 years.

Johnson was accused of four counts of indecency and four indecent assaults involving the same boy.

Johnson who pleaded guilty to the offences appeared at Grimsby Crown Court yesterday for sentencing.

Caroline Wigin, prosecuting said: "During the year, the complainant tuned 12, the complainant was sexually abused in total 25 times."

"The complainant has been heavily affected by the abuse."

Richard Hackfath, defending Johnson, said: "He has recollection of the incidents generally. He accepts it may have happened on 25 occasions."

He explained the incident happened following the death of his wife, which he said left him struggling mentally.

Mr Hackfath said: "It may come as scant conciliation at this stage. He wishes me to say in open court he is very disappointed, sorry and ashamed of his behaviour."

Mr Hackfath asked the judge to take into consideration when sentencing his ill health and that he also cares for his current wife who also has health problems.

He said: "I would ask you to exercise as much mercy as you can."

Judge Kate Buckingham said: "This was not an isolated incident as it happened over a period of time. They are so serious where only custodial sentence can be justified."

He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.