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A paedophile who raped two girls, one of whom was as young as six, has been jailed for 24 years.

Lee Gantley, of Sadler Street in Wells , carried out the horrific assaults on his victims during the 1980s.

Gantley was convicted of three counts of rape against a girl between the ages of six and eight, and two further counts of rape against another girl aged between eight and 11 following a trial at Hove Crown Court.

The 46-year-old was also convicted of six counts of indecent assault and further charges of gross indecency and false imprisonment.

Gantley carried out the crimes while still a teenager, but was told that his age could not be used as mitigation when he was sentenced by Judge David Rennie.

The court heard that Gantley had threatened his victims in an unsuccessful bid to stop them reporting him to the police, with Mr Rennie saying that he had ‘destroyed’ the girls’ childhoods.

Following the sentencing, a spokesman for the NSPCC said: “Abuse ruins childhoods and Gantley’s campaign of appalling offences will have had a devastating and long-term impact on the children he attacked.

“It would have taken tremendous bravery for the two women to come forward after years of carrying the burden of their abuse.

“We hope the survivors are now able to find the support needed to help them move forward with their lives, and we urge any other victims of abuser to speak out, confident in the knowledge that they will be listened to.

“Anyone who is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or get help online viawww.childline.org.uk.”

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