A MAN has been found guilty of a string of sickening sex offences on five schoolgirls and a woman.

Dennis Bowser, 44, of Friars Street, Shoebury, targeted his victims, aged as young as seven, over a 21-year period.

Yesterday, a jury at Basildon Crown Court found him guilty of six counts of rape, six of indecent assault, one of sexual assault, and one of indecency with a child.

Bowser started his campaign of sexual abuse in the Eighties, when he indecently assaulted a girl three times.

Bowser attacked his second victim a few years later. He indecently assaulted and committed gross indecency with his third victim.

Bowser committed his first rape between 2002 and 2003 and his victim reported it to police. A lack of evidence meant the case never made it to court until now.

His sole adult victim was a woman he indecently assulted in 2003. Bowser raped and sexually assaulted his sixth victim several times when she was a teenager.

The judge directed the jury to find Bowser not guilty of one additional count of rape during the trial.

No verdict was given on two charges of sexual activity with a child, because these were put forward as alternatives to two charges of rape Bowser was convicted of.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Bowser will reappear for sentencing on September 29.