A BURNHAM-on-Sea man has been found guilty of six counts of historic sex abuse against children.

Peter Sheppard, 75 of Love Lane, had denied four charges of indecent assault on one girl and one of gross indecent assault against another child.

He also denied a charge of indecency involving another child under the age of 10.

The court heard he first attacked one girl in her family home when he touched her under her nightie.

The victim told the court: "He touched me down below. I pulled away, he pulled me back and did it again. It lasted about half-an-hour and happened three or four times."

Two of the other counts related to Sheppard touching the girl's private parts over her clothing. She said: "He was really strong, pulling me towards him."

And on one occasion he went into her bedroom, touched her under the duvet and kissed her "full on".

The victim said: "I tried to push him away and I rolled over. I kept my legs close together."

The court also heard that on at least five other occasions Sheppard indecently assaulted the young girl.

Another girl told the court that he once grabbed her hand and placed it outside his trousers on his genitals.

She said: "I pulled my hand away and told him to get out, which he did right away."

The second girl told the court that years later she "froze" when she was shopping with her husband in Bridgwater and saw Sheppard.

The jury found Sheppard guilty on all six counts.

Sheppard shook his head as the verdict was delivered.

Defending, Patrick Mason urged Judge Paul Cook to adjourn Sheppard's sentencing for a pre-sentence report, saying he was the sole-carer for his 80-year-old wife.

"He is a man who's life has a number of complications to it," Mr Mason said.

"There are a number of financial affairs that will need to be attended to. He needs to ensure that all things are set in place, and would wish to have the opportunity to make sure the proper caring arrangements can be made for his wife."

Judge Cook agreed to adjourn Sheppard’s sentencing hearing, but refused him bail.

"You will be back here on March 23, but it will inevitably be a long custodial sentence." the judge said.

Sheppard was remanded in custody until his next hearing on March 23.