A DANGEROUS paedophile who has already spent the last 12 years behind bars has today been jailed for a further nine years for more “wicked” child abuse.

Back in 2010 child rapist Selby Wardle, now 71, was given a “life” sentence, with a minimum of six years, under the imprisonment for public protection legislation, but Bradford Crown Court heard today that he had been refused parole on a number of occasions and had subsequently spent double that time in custody.

Prosecutor Andrew Petterson explained that in 2017 when Wardle was applying for parole again, further allegations were made against him.

A police investigation was launched and Wardle, who is currently in HMP Hull, initially branded the new allegations as “all lies”, but he eventually pleaded guilty to three further sexual abuse charges involving young children, who must not be identified for legal reasons.

Mr Petterson outlined details of the historic abuse and Judge Colin Burn described one particular offence as one of the most wicked forms of the offence that he could think of.

In victim impact statements the complainants described how Wardle’s abuse had ruined their lives and left them suffering nightmares.

One complainant said: ”This man has made my life hell and even locked away he still is.”

Judge Burn said the effects of the abuse had been “profound and appallingly destructive” on the quality of life of the complainants.

Judge Burn said Parole Board reports indicated that right up until the beginning of this year Wardle still represented a high risk of harm to children.

He said the nine-year jail term for the sexual offences would start from today and Wardle would have to serve at least two-thirds of that sentence.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Bainbridge, who led the investigation, praised the "incredible courage and bravery" of the victims and added: "I would encourage anyone who has suffered any sort of abuse either recent or historic to come forward and speak to police. You will be listened to and given the help and support you need.

"We have specially trained officers who will work tirelessly to bring any perpetrators to justice.”