A FORMER Wiltshire Police officer wept today as he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault against a girl under the age of 16.

Michael Inskip, 64, formerly of Boundary Close, Stratton St Margaret, shook his head as a jury convicted him of two charges of historic sexual abuse against a teenage girl by a majority verdict of 10 to two.

After more than five and a half hours of deliberation, jurors failed to return verdicts on two further counts of indecent assault and cleared him of another three of the same charge.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard the offences took place almost three decades ago.

Inskip, who now lives in Newcastle Emlyn, Wales, was alleged to have indecently assaulted two girls under the age of 16 and was convicted of inappropriately touching one of the females.

Releasing him on bail until a decision on whether to have a re-trial or proceed to sentencing, Judge Stephen Climie told Inskip he should expect to be jailed.

He said: “As you know, there will come a time when I have to proceed to a sentencing in this case.

“The guidelines set out for offences of this kind state a significant term of imprisonment.

“I am allowing you bail, but you should not think that guaranteeing you bail is indicative to the likeliness of my sentencing against you.

“You are bailed on the same terms as you were previously, but I must stress there is to be no contact between either parties in this case.”

The Crown Prosecution Service will now decide on whether they will proceed with a re-trial on the two charges the jury could not reach a verdict on.

Inskip is due to be sentenced on the two charges he has been convicted of at a later date, in a hearing which could be held at Guildford Crown Court.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police declined to comment at this stage.

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “Regardless of the time that has passed, these offences are shocking and represent an extremely serious case of child sexual abuse.

“Inksip’s victim must be praised for her bravery in speaking out. It is absolutely right that people who suffered child sexual abuse, such as the woman in this case, can seek justice and support no matter how much time has passed since their ordeal."

Any adult wishing to discuss a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline at any time for free on 0808 800 5000.