A 57 year old man from west Wales who raped his own daughters has been jailed for life today (Friday).

One of the girls was kept a prisoner in his home - and during her eight years never went to school, played outside, saw a cat or a dog or had a friend.

Judge Geraint Walters said at Swansea crown court she had been so deprived during her childhood she may never recover.

Her father was jailed for life and told he would serve a minimum of 12 years behind bars before being allowed to apply for parole.

But he will not be released until the parole board is satisfied he is no longer a danger to children.

That, said Judge Walters, may never happen.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the man raped his first daughter over a two year period and then separated from her mother.

He then spent time in Thailand but no-one knew what he had been doing there.

On his return to west Wales he remarried and had a second daughter, who he also abused - this time with the help of his new wife.

She has been found guilty of child sex offences and will be sentenced at a later date.

The man's offending was described by Judge Walters as plunging new depths of depravity.

He managed to "home school" the younger girl but effectively kept her as a sex slave, said the judge" - not exactly locking her in a cellar but not far from it."

There were padlocks on all the doors and the curtains were always kept closed.

The girl was never allowed out and, consequently, had never played with friends, or gone swimming. She had never seen Christmas lights and had no concept of a celebration.

The effect on her was so profound, said Judge Walters, that she could not be left alone with other children for fear she would sexually abuse them.

"Sex is her only concept of love," he added.

"This was a campaign of rape and this wicked abuse will hit her harder as she grows older."

"You have ruined her life."

The man admitted 25 offences of child sex abuse, including several rapes, and making indecent images of children.

He cannot be named to protect the identities of his daughters.

Following the case, Detective Inspector Phil Rowe said:“I am pleased with the sentence handed down today and that the offender is no longer able to cause harm to the young victims or anyone else.

"This was a protracted and challenging investigation with the main priority being the protection of the vulnerable victims.

“The crimes committed were abhorrent and I must commend the police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring them to justice.

“We would obviously wish for such offences never to occur in our communities and we work closely with colleagues in partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people, but very sadly abuse still does happen.

“I hope there can be some reassurance felt within our communities that when such crimes are committed, we have dedicated, specially trained officers here prepared to work hard to ensure outcomes like today’s sentencing.

“I hope anyone else who has experienced similar abuse at any stage of their life can find courage from this case to see that all reports will be taken seriously by Dyfed-Powys Police and fully investigated.”

Regardless of whether you choose to report the crime, Goleudy Victim and Witness Service can provide you with further support and assistance. Call 0300 1232996 or email goleudy@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.