A DEPRAVED paedophile who sexually abused two young girls has been jailed for 27 years after a judge told him he found him “physically sickening”.

Child rapist Gareth Coleman committed a catalogue of offences against his victims in the Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil areas.

He denied 24 charges in total but a jury convicted him of all counts after a trial.

Newport Crown Court heard how the defendant took pictures of one of the girls as he abused her and threatened her he would show them to other people.

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Judge Daniel Williams said Coleman’s offending was “horrific” and he described watching him giving evidence in the witness box in his defence as “physically sickening”.

Coleman, aged 39, of Dinam Street, Nantymoel, Bridgend, was convicted of several offences, which included rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, indecent assault and sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Clare Wilks said the defendant had previous convictions for the possession of child abuse images.

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Judge Williams told Coleman: “You have a long-standing and entrenched interest in the sexual abuse of young girls.

“You are a manipulative and dangerous man, even among child sex offenders.”

He added: “There is a significant risk you will cause serious harm in the future.”

After the case, Catrin Attwell, a senior crown prosecutor at the CP, said: “The victims’ determination to give evidence against their abuser has led to these convictions.

“The strength they have shown throughout the investigation and court hearing is to be commended.

“We hope that seeing their abuser answer for his crimes will be of some help in their healing process."

Coleman was sentenced to 21 years in prison plus an extended licence term of six years for the public protection.

The defendant will serve two-thirds of the 21-year jail sentence before he is eligible for parole.

He will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Gwent Police have been approached for a picture of Coleman.