A 'PREADTORY paedophile' from East Berkshire has been jailed for life for more than 20 sexual offences against children.

The 67-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday to the offences and was sentenced on the same to life and behind bars and to serve a minimum of 10 years before he can be considered eligible for release.

The man pleaded pleaded guilty to four counts of rape of a girl under 13, 15 counts of assault on a girl under 13 by penetration, two counts of assault on a girl under 13 by touching, one count of causing/ inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of making an indecent photograph of a child, one count of possessing an indecent photo of a child and two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Luke Simms, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This was a harrowing case involving a predatory paedophile who has now pleaded guilty to committing sexual offences, including rape, against children. This has been a devastating process for all those involved and although no sentence can ever erase what he did, I am relieved to see him behind bars."

The offences took place across the South East within the past decade and were committed against more than one victim.

The judge at the case imposed a ban on naming the man in order to protect the identities of his victims.

The 67-year-old was arrested on January 25 this year and charged on July 18.

Det Con Simms added: “Thames Valley Police takes all reports of this nature seriously and will always investigate thoroughly. Please do not hesitate to call 101 for advice or to report any concerns you may have.”