AN 'extremely dangerous' Leominster man who carried out a series of sexual assaults on two young sisters has been jailed for 12 years at Worcester Crown Court.

Brian Davies, aged 26, of High Street, Leominster, was convicted after a trial on 19 specimen charges of rape, sexual and indecent assault and oral sex.

Recorder Denis Desmond said Davies had resorted to bribery and grooming to take advantage of the girls. Most offences were committed when he was a teenager and the sentence would have been more severe had he been older.

The jury heard that offences took place in woods, an alleyway, at the back of a church and in an abandoned house.

Prosecutor Gareth Walters said one of the victims was only five and a half when the abuse started and the other was only a year older. Both had been psychologically affected.

Dafydd Roberts, mitigating, accepted there had been a certain planning and grooming but he did not take the view that Davies was dangerous.

But the Recorder made a sexual harm prevention order for ten years forbidding Davies from unsupervised contact with a child under the age of 16. He ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

Mr Desmond read impact statements to the court showing the response of victims. One had wet the bed until she was 11, lost weight and become an alcoholic by the age of 16. The other said her confidence had been crushed, had recurring nightmares and she always felt shamed and embarrassed.

Speaking after the hearing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Terri Booth: said: "Davies preyed upon the vulnerability of his victims and this sentence is testament to their courage which has resulted in an extremely dangerous sex offender being brought to justice. He abused his victims in a sustained and organised manner over a long period of time.

"The bravery of the victims in coming forward, reporting these horrific crimes and supporting our investigation cannot be underestimated. I hope that this sentence will go some way to bringing closure to these events.

"West Mercia Police will relentlessly pursue those who perpetrate sexual crimes against anyone and especially against children, no matter when these offences occurred. You will be supported and we will do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts."

Anyone affected by rape or sexual assault can refer themselves or contact the Glade, the county's sexual assault referral centre, by calling the 24-hour self-referral number on 0808 178 2058 or visiting their website.