A PAEDOPHILE faces years in jail after he was found guilty of a catalogue of child sex abuse offences by a jury.

Gareth Coleman was convicted of 24 counts following a trial at Newport Crown Court.

The offences, some historical, were committed in the Caerphilly county area and Merthyr Tydfil.

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He was found guilty of offences which included rape, sexual activity with a child under 13 and indecent assault.

After the verdicts were returned, Judge Daniel Williams asked Coleman’s barrister Ieuan Rees: “The defendant does understand he faces a very long prison sentence?”

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He replied: “Yes he does your honour.”

Judge Williams told Coleman: “You have been convicted of terribly serious offences.”

He adjourned sentence until November 5 for the preparation of a report.

The 39-year-old defendant, of Dinam Street, Nantymoel, Bridgend, was remanded in custody.

Coleman had denied all charges.

Clare Wilks prosecuted the case.