A “DANGEROUS’ paedophile who targeted two young schoolgirls has been locked up for more than six years.

Timothy Dowler, 19, asked his victims to perform sex acts after contacting them on social media.

The teenager committed his offences in Caerphilly county last year.

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Dowler, of Colum Place, Cathays, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to eight counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He also admitted making indecent photographs of a child.

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The defendant was classed as a dangerous offender and handed an extended sentence for the public protection of six years and six months in a young offender institution.

Dowler will have to register as a sex offender for life and was also made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Outside Cardiff Crown Court, Detective Constable Sam Davies, the officer in the case from Gwent Police, said: “I’m pleased to see Dowler put behind bars for his crimes.

“These offences were committed against innocent young children and I have no doubt the effects will remain with them.

“We will continue to tackle this type of crime and prosecute offenders.”