Gareth Wheeler, of Blackthorn Close, Ryde, appeared for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Friday).
He had pleaded guilty to 25 sexual offences, committed between 2011 and 2023.
The court heard Wheeler’s victims suffered lasting psychological harm as a result of his offences.
Police arrested Wheeler on November 4, 2023, before seizing and examining his computer.
Investigators discovered 33 indecent images of children and one image depicting bestiality, said Nick Tucker, prosecuting.
One victim, whose impact statement was read to the court, described the abuse as “a bad dream” and that she “just wanted it all to go away”.
She said Wheeler had hurt her so badly that it made her cry and that she did not know how to stop the pain.
The victim told the court the abuse left her feeling “sick to my stomach” and in a “depressed state”, adding that she had considered taking her own life.
“I feel my innocence has been stripped away,” she said, and described continuing struggles with anxiety.
Sentencing Wheeler, Judge Ashworth praised the victims for coming forward and showing “incredible strength” in reporting the offences and giving evidence about their experiences.
The judge described Wheeler’s offending as “perverse”.
Oliver Hirsch, defending, submitted mitigating arguments on behalf of his client for the judge’s consideration before sentence was passed.
The court heard a probation report assessed Wheeler as presenting a high risk of causing serious harm in the community.
Wheeler was jailed for 16 years and 11 months.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Ashworth imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 20 years.
Wheeler will also remain subject to sex offender notification requirements for the rest of his life.
The judge further ordered that Wheeler must not contact his victims, with an indefinite restraining order put in place.
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