An 84-year-old man from Moulton has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of sexually assaulting two children on multiple occasions over a period spanning several decades.
William Lynas, of Moons Green, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday, September 3, for sentencing. The court hearing followed an earlier trial in which jurors found him guilty of 13 sexual offences.
The offences took place in the Spalding area between the 1980s and 2023. The source report says both victims were underage when the incidents occurred, but does not give their ages or identify them.
Jail sentence and court orders
Lynas had denied the charges before being convicted. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison, a term Lincolnshire Police said means he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The sentence also carries continuing restrictions after his release. Lynas was placed on the sex offenders register for life and given an indefinite restraining order relating to both victims.
The case involved allegations covering a particularly long period, from the 1980s through to 2023. Detective Constable Victoria Oaks, who led the investigation, said that timescale made the inquiry complex. Police said the investigation team gathered evidence that enabled Lynas to be brought to justice.
Police praise victims who came forward
DC Oaks praised the victims for coming forward and revealing what had happened to them and who they said was responsible.
“Lynas caused real harm and will deservedly spend a long time behind bars.”
She also described the victims as being at the heart of the case and praised their bravery.
“I want to praise the victims at the heart of this case who bravely came forward to reveal what had happened to them and who was responsible.”
Lincolnshire Police also referred to Lynas’s conduct during the trial. The force said he entered court using a walking stick but later left the building walking normally. Jurors happened to leave the building at the same time and saw him, according to the police account.
A police spokesman said this demonstrated what the force described as Lynas’s arrogance and his belief that he would avoid justice. The source report says he attended court confidently, believing he could “pull the wool over the eyes” of the jurors.
Advice for victims of sexual offences
Lincolnshire Police urged anyone who has experienced rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence to report it as soon as possible. The force said people should make contact even if they are not completely certain, so that officers can help ensure they are safe.
People who are not ready to speak to police immediately can use the Lincolnshire Police website to find information about other organisations that offer help and support. The force also provides information explaining how to report rape and sexual assault.
The police statement included details of recruitment to its Protecting Vulnerable Persons teams. It said the recruitment formed part of the wider Lincs 2030 plan, described as a programme intended to improve the service provided to the public. Officers interested in transferring to Lincolnshire Police were directed to the force’s careers website for eligibility and application information.
