A WINDOW cleaner has been convicted of sexually assaulting three women.

A carer caught Charles Catchpole, 45, of West Avenue, Mayland, attempting to force a vulnerable woman aged in her 80s to perform a sexual act on him at an address in Maldon, on October 8 last year.

The carer reported the incident and he was identified and arrested two days later.

Catchpole was charged with attempt sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder.

Officers carried out house to house enquiries with his customers in the Maldon area, during which two women aged in their 70s reported he had sexually assaulted them.

On both occasions in May and August 2018 he had touched them over their clothes at their homes in Maldon.

Catchpole was further arrested and later charged with two counts of sexual assault.

He denied the charges and stood trial at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 24 June.

A jury found him guilty of three offences on June 28, 2019 and sentencing was adjourned until August 2, 2019.

Detective Inspector Lisa Norcott said: “Catchpole is a sexual predator who committed these sickening offences against three women who had employed him as a window cleaner.

“He put them through the further harrowing ordeal of having to give evidence in court after denying he had done anything wrong.

“I hope these brave women now feel a sense of justice that he has been brought to account for his repulsive behaviour and I want to thank them for their support throughout our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to please tell us so that we can investigate and make sure you receive support.

“I know some may not feel ready to call the police, so I encourage them to tell someone, whether that’s a close friend or relative, or one of a number of organisations who can provide support and advice.”