A PAEDOPHILE who subjected his young victims to what a judge called “a prolonged and systematic course of sexual abuse”, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Jenkins told 41-year-old Michael McCauley, of Cwmbran, that the sexual abuse and rape he had inflicted would “live with them for the rest of their lives.”

McCauley, found guilty on charges of rape and sexual assault of children aged under 13 after a trial last month, was described in a pre-sentence report as “highly manipulative.”

Judge Jenkins agreed with the report’s conclusion that McCauley poses a high risk of serious sexual harm to children, and called him “a worrying and significant example of a man whose sexual interest in children was paramount in his life.”

McCauley had, he added, shown no remorse, only latterly - during the report’s compilation - accepting what he had done.

“You had no empathy for your victims. You are a dangerous offender,” said Judge Jenkins.

Victims’ statements, describing ongoing “nightmares” due to McCauley’s “disgusting behaviour”, were read by prosecuting counsel Caroline Rees.

McCauley received 18-year extended sentences for two rapes, to run concurrently, comprising 15 years in prison and a further three years on licence. Judge Jenkins told McCauley he will serve at least two-thirds of the 15-year portion before being considered for parole. Three sentences of eight years were imposed for a range of sexual assaults, also to run concurrently.