Child rapist jailed for 'abhorrent' offences

A rapist who committed what police described as "the most abhorrent offences" against two children has been jailed for 24 years.

Nicholas Embling, of Herschel Close in Oakhurst, Swindon, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse dating back to 2002. He was first reported to police in 2021.

The 61-year-old was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court earlier.

In a statement, one of the victims said: "Facing the individual who stole my childhood and caused profound harm to my life has required courage, which I did not know I possessed."

She added that the damage caused by his actions could "never be fully undone" and they would leave a "lasting wound".

"The years that were taken from me cannot be returned, yet through this painful journey, I have discovered a strength within myself that I did not expect."

The second victim said giving evidence in court had been "one of the hardest things" she had ever had to do.

She added that she had "survived a lifetime of trauma", but still had trust issues.

"Trauma is not something that simply disappears with time, it lasts a lifetime and reveals itself when you least expect it.

"Reliving painful memories is not easy and finding the courage to tell my truth has taken all I have… now I stand tall knowing I have nothing to be ashamed of," she said in a statement.

Det Insp Natalię Stride from Wiltshire Police paid tribute to the victims for their bravery and said the harm Embling caused "cannot be underestimated".

"He took advantage of their age and vulnerability, beginning his abuse of them at a young age and then escalating his behaviour over the years, leading to him committing some of the most harrowing crimes a person could commit against a child," she added.

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