The victims of sex abuse should not suffer in silence, say police.

It follows the conviction of 39 year old Andrew Mark Byrne of four offences of indecent assault on a child and 30 counts of making indecent images and videos of children.

Inspector Michelle McKillop said: 'The Isle of Man Constabulary will make as much effort to investigate historic cases as they do current cases, for the victim the pain is still real and we understand that.

'We will look into any report of historic abuse and do everything we can to investigate such cases fully. I would say to anyone out there who is suffering in silence or has considered whether or not to report abuse, to come forward.

'Sexual abuse does not start and end with one occasion or victim, abuse can and does escalate, others may have suffered or be suffering the actions of the same offender.'

Byrne's offences date back to the early 1990s. He's been sentenced to five years and five months in jail. The police investigation was launched early this year after a complaint of historic sexual abuse.

Inspector McKillop said: 'Every level of sexual abuse, particularly against children, is unacceptable. It is extremely difficult for victims to deal with abuse and sometimes the realisation of being abused doesn’t occur until later in life and can manifest itself in many forms. Regardless of when in life a victim has been abused there is still a chance that the Police and other agencies can help, and in some cases bring justice for the victim and families.'

She has praised the team involved in the investigation for their 'professional and unwavering determination to bring justice for the victim'.

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