A deviant sexual predator, who carried out a catalogue of sexual offences against two young girls over a period of years, has been jailed for 16 years.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, told 39-year-old Peter Hartley he had committed a “catalogue of sexual offending of a very serious type”.

Both a probation report and a psychiatric report described Hartley as dangerous to girls of a young age, the judge said.

Hartley, of Stonegate Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, six charges of sexually assaulting a child under 13, two of sexual activity with a child, three other sexual offences and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Hartley had a history of misuse of drink and drugs.

Judge Thomas described the offending as a “catalogue of quite appalling behaviour” which lasted for seven years.

He told Hartley, in relation to one of the girls: “You brought about a situation where she was unable to make a complaint about your disgusting behaviour towards her.”

He said Hartley’s behaviour was “deviant, nasty and predatory”.

Judge Thomas spoke of the damage caused to children who are sexually abused.

He said of the two victims: “It is very difficult for them to try to put into words how they must now feel and describe the terribleness of what you have done.”

He said an experienced probation officer had said that such sexual offending caused “inestimable physical, psychological and emotional harm”.

The judge added: “You are somebody who poses a significant risk of causing significant harm hereafter, and therefore somebody who must be regarded as dangerous.

“I intend to pass sentences reflecting what is, in my judgement, the very serious and extreme nature of your sexual misbehaviour.”

Judge Thomas passed a custodial sentence of 16 years, with an extended licence of four years.