In July, Fisher, of Cleveland Drive, Fareham, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of eight counts of indecent assault and three of attempted buggery.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

One of his victims developed agoraphobia as a result of the abuse she endured and did not leave her home for 13 years. She also suffered from anxiety and started to suspect she had a brain tumour.

She told the court: “What he did to me has affected my entire life.

“Unfortunately I passed my fears on to my children. I was scared that every man was a paedophile and that what happened to me would happen to them.

“I’m glad he’s been convicted. I’m just sad justice has taken so long.”

His other victim said he was an innocent child when he was abused 45 years ago.

Addressing the defendant he added: “I’ve had a lifetime of trying to deal with the monsters you left inside my head.”

Stephen Shay, prosecuting, said the defendant’s actions had caused “severe psychological harm” to his two victims, both of whom were under 13 at the time.

Recorder Charles Langley told the defendant: “Both victims of your abuse have suffered terribly.

“You took advantage of them for your own sordid sexual gratification. Your actions had a devastating effect on them and the court has heard about their suffering.”

Referring to one of the victims the judge added: “He has severe depression and at one point tried to take his own life.

“These offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified.”

Fisher, who continued to protest his innocence, was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in prison, followed by two years on extended licence.