A MAN has been jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against two children.

Joshua Rhodes, 30, was sentenced after being convicted of sexual offences against children at a trial which concluded on Wednesday, September 15.

The charges included attempted rape and sexual touching.

He was jailed for 18 years for the offences with an additional licence period of two years.

Rhodes, from the Shipley area, was told once he has served half of his custodial term, nine years, he will then be eligible to make an application to the Parole Board to consider his early release.

At his trial he was found not guilty by the jury of an additional two charges of sexual activity with a child. 

Judge Ahmed Nadim sentenced Rhodes at Bradford Crown Court today.

The Judge told Rhodes: "You have been convicted by a jury of serious sexual offences.

"The impact on these victims is incalculable.

"I hope you understand the full implications of the sentence I have passed.

"You bribed one of the children with money and food."

Rhodes was also handed a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period and ordered to register himself as a sex offender by the judge.

In mitigation, the court heard Rhodes suffered mental health problems at the time of his offending and continues to do so today.