Sign up to our newsletter for the latest Northumberland news Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A lorry driver who raped two children in separate attacks has been locked up for more than 21 years.

Paedophile Garry Horseman subjected the little girls to a series of vile episodes of abuse which have left them traumatised.

A court heard he took one of the terrified girls behind a “tassled gold curtain” in the cab of his lorry to molest her.

When the victims came forward to report what had happened to them years ago, Horseman initially denied it and claimed they were just looking for compensation.

But the 56-year-old, formerly of Blyth, Northumberland, finally confessed and has now been given the lengthy jail sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard Horseman would give his young victims cash in a bid to keep their silence, which prosecutor Ian Brook said was “classic grooming”.

In their personal statements both victims said the ordeals they suffered at the hands of Horseman have affected their entire lives.

Mr Brook said: “One complainant thinks her life has been a complete mess.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“When she sees programmes on TV or reads in newspapers about rape or sexual abuse it triggers more flashbacks.

“She cries herself to sleep, has nightmares, wakes up crying.

“She feels he has stolen her childhood from her.”

The court heard both victims speak of their inability to trust people and the struggle to form relationships.

The second victim said in her statement she also feels “robbed” of her childhood and suffers “haunting nightmares” of the abuse she suffered.

Horseman admitted offences of rape and indecent assaults in relation to both victims. He had initially denied all of the allegations and said his victims were liars and just looking for money.

Judge Penny Moreland sentenced Horseman to a total of 21 years and three months behind bars. He must also sign the sex offenders’ register for life and abide by a sexual harm prevention order.

The judge said both the victims’ lives have been blighted by what Horseman, latterly of Grange Road, Hartlepool, did to them.

Lorraine Mustard, mitigating, said: “He has always known, always felt that one day these allegation would see the light of day.

“He was initially too ashamed to admit what he had been doing.

“He has shown some remorse.

“He is not in good health. He believes he may not come out of prison.”