THE survivors of an Auchinleck sex attacker jailed for 15 years of shocking abuse have been thanked by police for helping bring him to justice.

The Chronicle reported yesterday how Hugh Derby had been sentenced to 12 years in prison for almost two decades of abuse against young girls.

Derby was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh for crimes that happened between 1999 and 2014.

Several of the offences took place in Auchinleck, while others took place happened in Dumfries and Galloway.

Victims of the horrific crimes have now been thanked by Police Scotland for coming forward to report the abuse they were subjected to by the 52-year-old.

Detective Inspector Gavin Chisholm said: "I want to thank each survivor of Derby's crimes who assisted us with our investigations.

"This has been a very lengthy and distressing time for them to finally see their perpetrator face justice. He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

"I hope this provides some form of comfort as they try to move forward with their lives.

"We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.

"Be assured we will fully investigate, and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”

Anyone with any concerns or information can report them to police by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be obtained, on 0800 555 111.