A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for nine years for historic sex offences which took place 25 years ago.

Richard Prendergast, of Westfield Road, Heckmondwike, was found guilty of 11 counts of non-recent sexual abuse against two young girls.

The 45-year-old was sentenced to nine years in prison at Leeds Crown Court today, and will sign the sex offenders register for life.

He was found guilty of the offences on September 28.

Detective Constable Paul Greatorex, of the Kirklees Safeguarding Unit, said: “Prendergast’s victims were young and innocent and were unable to defend themselves.

"He subjected them to terrible ordeals and then refused to admit his guilt, putting them through the ordeal of a court trial.

"He is now rightly serving a prison sentence for what he has done.

"I would like to take this opportunity to praise Prendergast's victims who not only had the bravery to come forward but also the confidence in the police that what they said to officers would be listened to.

"Some of his offending went back two decades but despite the passage of time we investigated his crimes and took action.

"I would like to make a promise to all victims of sexual offences, no matter how long the passage of time, that if you come forward and tell police what happened you will be listened to.”