Stephen Carr admitted to the sexual offences against children

A man who raped children in the Preston area has been sentenced to most likely see out his final days in prison.

Pensioner Stephen Carr eventually pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences against two children.

The 69-year-old, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

He was arrested in October for offences against a child in Kirkham and and arrested again for offences against another child in the Longridge area.

Initially he denied the charges and maintained his innoncence right up until the prosection was opened at his trial.

As evidence began to be heard he decided to change his plea.

He pleaded guilty to a number of charges including counts of rape and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual acts.

Detective Constable Mike Ellis, of Blackpool Police, said: “The actions to which the defendant pleaded guilty display a predilection for children and the manner in which he has committed them highlights very concerning predatory behaviours.

“The victims whom he chose to prey upon were at their most vulnerable by virtue of their very young ages and the impact upon their lives is unquantifiable – they are still only children.

“Despite the horrific nature of the offences, we must thank each child and their families for the evidence they provided which helped secure Carr’s conviction. They have shown a strength and fortitude beyond their years when laying bare matters of such an intimate and harrowing nature.

“The sentence reflects the impacts of the offences upon the victims and demonstrates the gravity which courts attribute to cases of this nature.

“I would encourage any victims who have suffered abuse of this nature to contact police, cases are handled sensitively with the wishes of the victim being of paramount importance.”

Carr was sentenced to a 20 year term in prison.