A child sex abuser blew kisses and mouthed "I love you" to his family as he was led to the cells.
Ronald Hall, originally from St Helens but was recently living in France, was unanimously found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault against two teenage girls following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court on December 14 last year. The offences happened between 1983 and 1989.
Liverpool Crown Court heard today how some of the abuse involved the now 79-year-old asking one of the girls if "she liked it" as he pinned her against a kitchen sink, dropped his towel on purpose to reveal he was naked, and sexually assaulted them over and under their clothing.
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In a statement read to the court one of the victim's described how she has been "haunted" by the events ever since. She described how "one Monday afternoon my life had changed as I had known it forever".
She said she suffered from suicidal thoughts on a daily basis and her health, both physically and emotionally, had been severely impacted. She added Hall made her feel "humiliated, dirty and unclean".
The victim said by "finally finding my voice and courage to speak out" she hopes she can help "just one person who has been abused". She added: "Nothing can or will change the trauma I suffered at his hands and the mental trauma that I continue to have to this day.
"However by telling the truth, I hope that I will feel and find soon a state of peace and comfort with myself knowing that I have done everything in my power to protect others."
Another victim who read a statement out to court said she had also suffered both "mentally and physically". The woman said she felt "powerless and dirty" following the assaults and since then had flashbacks and nightmares.
Gerald Baxter, prosecuting, said Hall's abuse amounted to "severe psychological harm". He also handed the judge a card a which a family member of one the victims received after the 79-year-old was found guilty at trial.
Judge Denis Watson KC said he considered what was inside the card to amount to "threats to kill", however he said he believed no family member of Hall who was sat in the courtroom was responsible for sending the card.
He told the court to send such a message to a victim was "unforgivable" and he would "send that person to prison" for the contents in the card. Martine Snowdon, defending, said in Hall's adult life, following the time of offences, he has "behaved impeccably towards family and friends" and "provided emotional and practical" support.
Ms Snowdon added Hall is in ill health and has to take medication which balance "one another".
Hall, of Rue Rene Cassin, Bedarieux, Herault in France, was jailed for five years. Judge Watson said: "You betrayed their trust in the most appalling and atrocious ways".
When he was led down to the cells Hall blew kisses towards his family and gave a thumbs up. He was also seen mouthing "I love you". A family member of Hall was also heard saying "love you".
Merseyside Police said they did not hold a mugshot of Hall on their system.
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