A CHILD abuse victim kept his ordeal secret for two decades – until he was arrested for drink-driving and told police.

His tormentor, Gary Woodhouse, 45, of Spencerfield Crescent, Middlesbrough, was jailed for three years and four months at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

He admitted eight specimen charges of indecent assault between 1983 and 1990.

The court heard that the victim had an accident when he was drunk last January and told police he had been abused as a young boy.

He later told his mother, but did not make a formal complaint until last June.

In his interview, Woodhouse made no reply to most questions but answered “yes” when asked if the allegations were true.

Ian West, prosecuting, told the court: “On a couple of occasions, he seemed to be unable to resist making admissions.”

Andrew Turton, in mitigation, said Woodhouse claims he was abused when he was younger and police are investigating his complaint.

“We have a case here where the abused became the abuser,”

Mr Turton told Judge Brian Forster.

“He will put that forward as the only real explanation as to why he finds himself in this situation.

To this day, he can’t fully explain his conduct.

“He is extremely remorseful.

One might be cynical and say it is entirely self-pity, but that’s not the case.”

Judge Forster also ordered Woodhouse to sign on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, but did not impose a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

He said the fact that Woodhouse had not committed any similar crimes since his early 20s meant he was not a danger.