A CHILD abuser was branded “evil, sick and depraved” as he was jailed for 17 years for raping and molesting girls decades ago.

Two of Reginald Wood’s three brave victims were in court to see him on what could be the 82-year-old’s last day as a free man.

His barrister told Teesside Crown Court: “Given his age, it may well be that he spends the remainder of his days in custody.”

Wood only confessed to abusing the girls on the second day of his trial, after hearing prosecutor open the case for the jury.

He had denied ever doing anything wrong since his arrest at his home in Redcar in July 2015, said Robin Turton, prosecuting.

His victims told how the long-distance lorry driver attacked them in the cab of his HGV and in a shed where he made bird boxes.

They described how he asked them to “keep their little secret” and did not know that others were also been preyed upon.

Wood groomed them with gifts and money, and bought one youngster clothes – including a bra, said Mr Turton.

The court heard how the abuse happened so often the girls thought it was normal behaviour until they were older and spoke to friends.

One victim read out an impact statement just feet from her childhood tormentor, and wept as she called him “evil and spiteful”.

She told how she struggles to be intimate with her husband, has flashbacks, and been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I will never forget or forgive this child abuser for making us think what he did to us was normal. He is sick and depraved.”

Judge Tony Briggs told the wheelchair-user: “It has had a devastating effect on their ability to form and maintain relationships.

“It is perfectly plain that over a significant period you were engaged in the persistent abuse of children.” After yesterday’s case, Cleveland Police praised the bravery of the victims.

Sergeant Chris Turner said: “Reginald Wood preyed on his victims and fully deserves the lengthy prison sentence he has been given.”

Wood, of Staintondale Avenue, Redcar, admitted multiple charges of rape, indecent assault, gross indecency and indecency with a child.

Paul Cleasby, mitigating, described the offending as “horrendous” and told the court: “He accepts a significant sentence must follow.”