A predatory paedophile who sexually abused two children up to 40 years ago has been jailed for eight years.

Self-styled community leader Abdul Razaq showed no emotion when he was led off to the cells from the dock at Bradford Crown Court  this afternoon.

Razaq, a 57-year-old grandfather, of Greenfield Street, Skipton , “systematically and deliberately” obtained the trust and friendship of a boy aged six to persistently abuse him over two years in the mid 1970s.

He stopped only when the boy’s father caught him molesting his son under a blanket in the back yard of a house in the town.

Razaq had married and had children when he selected his second victim, a ten-year-old girl, almost 20 years later.

“You remained in the area, you remained a predator,” Judge David Hatton QC told him.

He undressed the child and molested her on at least eight occasions.

Judge Hatton said Razaq targeted the boy when he was 18 to 20.

He plied the youngster with treats and obtained the trust of his family so he could abuse their son in an attic, a derelict house and the back yard.

Judge Hatton praised the victims’ “bold and responsible decision” to bring Razaq to justice.

His said the man, now in his forties, was under considerable stress at having to relive his experiences to the jury.

The abused woman, now in her late 20s, had suffered emotional issues because of the abuse. Although very successful, she had difficulty forming close personal relationships.

The judge made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order without limit of time barring Razaq from having any unsupervised contact with children. He must also sign on the sex offenders’ register.

Razaq was convicted of seven offences of sexual abuse. They included five allegations of indecently assaulting the boy and one of indecency with him and one charge, representing a course of conduct, of indecently assaulting the girl.

After the case, both Razaq’s victims praised the police for bringing him to justice.

Detective Constable Alison Whitwell, who led the investigation, said: “Abdul Razaq preyed upon these poor, defenceless children for his own sexual gratification.

“He robbed them of their childhoods and his depraved actions have had a lasting effect into their adult lives.

“It is very satisfying that Razaq has finally been made to face up to his sick crimes.

“This case demonstrates that it is never too late for victims to come forward to the police. It also shows that offenders can never rest easily knowing that they will be pursued even decades later.

DC Whitwell added: “I truly hope that the outcome at court brings some comfort to the victims and their loved ones.

“I have nothing but the utmost admiration for the immense courage they have shown throughout. I wish them the very best as they begin to rebuild their lives following this traumatic period.”