Police praised the "bravery" of two victims of sexual abuse after a Dunfermline sales rep was today sentenced to five years in jail. 

William King, 52, of Diamond Grove, was sent to prison after he was found guilty of rape and lewd and libidinous behaviour against two girls at Edinburgh High Court.

The conviction followed a lengthy investigation into King by Fife CID. He had repeatedly abused the children over a period of five years in the 1990s.

Detective Sergeant Graham Watson said: "William King may have thought he'd evaded justice, but we take all reports of sexual offences seriously, regardless of when we receive them.

"Thanks to the bravery of his victims in coming forward, we have been able to present a case to the Crown which has resulted in a successful prosecution. I hope that today's sentence gives them some comfort.

"King will now be spending a considerable amount of time in prison, having failed to accept and admit the suffering he caused and forcing the two women to recount again what happened to them over 20 years ago.

"Tackling sexual crime is a priority for Police Scotland, we want to encourage people to come forward. Victims of sexual crime can be confident that we will listen to them and investigate their report thoroughly, no matter how much time has passed."

An NSPCC Scotland spokesman said: “We welcome the sentence handed down by the court. 

"Abuse ruins childhoods and it’s vital adults and children who have been affected by abuse get the support they need rather than suffer in silence, as sadly so many do.

“As a result of the enormous bravery of these women in speaking out, King is now facing the consequences of his crimes.

“Child abuse allegations always need to be pursued.

"It is crucial that victims of abuse, however long after the crimes against them, have the confidence to speak out knowing that their allegations will be fully investigated.”