Shamed PR guru Max Clifford today left Southwark Crown Court in a prison van after being sentenced to eight years for indecently assaulting teenage girls over a period of nearly 20 years.

He is expected to serve at least half of the sentence.

After the sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Michael Orchard had this to say.

SOUNDBITE: Detective Chief Inspector Michael Orchard, saying (English):

"I would like to again thank all of the victims for their bravery in coming forward. Without their support we would not have secured the successful convictions and I commend them for their courage, strength, and confidence in us that they would be listened to. I would also like to thank the NSPCC for their continued support to victims, which has proved invaluable. My officers carried out a painstaking investigation to identify all historic and current evidential opportunities, without fear or favour to ensure this case was brought to trial."

Clifford's friends and rela