A PAEDOPHILE who committed a “catalogue of grave sexual crimes” over three decades has been jailed for 20 years.

Colin Stubbs, 65, was found guilty of rape, buggery, and 14 counts of indecent assault following a trial at Bradford Crown Court.

The jury heard that Stubbs had abused his first victim when she was aged between 12 and 13, including one instance where he raped her on a kitchen floor.

Stubbs abused a second girl over a period of nine years.

The court heard his actions progressed from sexual assault to rape, including one instance on a local cricket field.

The offences took place when Stubbs, of Moor Lane, Birkenshaw, was living in the Holme Wood area of Bradford. His offending came to light when his second victim made a report to police in 2015.

In impact statements read to the court yesterday, Stubbs’ first victim said the abuse had left her feeling “ashamed, dirty, and sick to the point of hurting myself”.

His second victim spoke of the “soul-destroying damage” Stubbs had caused, leaving her suffering from health problems including depression, OCD, anorexia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

She said: “The emotional scars that remain to this day cannot be measured. I get the compelling urge to run and hide. I feel like a wounded animal. I will carry this burden with me until I die. It is purgatory, a life sentence.”

Judge Jonathan Rose said Stubbs’ actions classed him as an “offender of particular concern”, meaning he would not be released at the halfway stage of his sentence.

He told the defendant he would be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as sex offender for the rest of his life.

Judge Rose said Stubbs, who the court heard had no previous convictions, had caused “substantial, significant, ongoing, and permanent damage” to his victims without showing any expression of remorse.

He said: “For nearly 20 years you engaged in perverted and disgusting paedophilic sexual activity. You have been convicted due to the courage of these women to come forward.

“You must reflect on the long-term damage you have caused to two innocent children.”

Speaking after the case, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “Sexual abuse robs children of their childhood and its impact lasts a lifetime.

“The bravery of Stubbs’ victims have shown in reporting the crimes committed against them as children have helped ensure he is now behind bars and we hope they are now receiving the necessary support to overcome what happened to them.

“It doesn't matter whether the sexual abuse happened a year ago or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it.”