A Downham Market man has been warned he faces a lengthy jail term after he was convicted of raping a young girl and a string of sex assaults on boys and girls.

Darren Wooller, 39, of Railway Road, was convicted by a jury after a 16-day trial at Norwich Crown Court of raping a girl under 13 and nine sex assaults on boys and girls.

The victims were two boys and four girls aged between five and 11 when the offences happened – between May 2004 and February 2009.

Wooller denied the offences and claimed he had been 'set up' but the jury convicted him of all the charges after being out for more than 14 hours.

Judge Mark Lucraft warned Wooller that he faced a lengthy jail term and remanded him in custody for reports.

Speaking after the verdict, DC Debbie Payne of the Vulnerable People Directorate, who led the investigation, said: 'The victims in this particular case have been amazingly brave to come forward and discuss abuse which, even though it is historic, is obviously still having an impact on their current lives.

'Darren Wooller took advantage of these children and no doubt thought he would not be caught. Although this was a historical investigation that began in October 2011 and has involved extensive enquiries due to the time which had elapsed, it is of great satisfaction to now see him convicted.

'This case underlines the fact that if a victim of abuse contacts us and wishes to discuss their situation, we will always endeavour to conduct a thorough investigation, where possible and whenever it took place.

'We will look to bring to justice those who abuse and mistreat children and other vulnerable persons who have the right to be protected. We will pursue all perpetrators robustly ensuring that we safeguard children now and for the future.'

Wooller will be sentenced on February 6.