A MAN described as a "sexual predator" by a judge has been jailed for six years after systematically abusing two young girls.

Neil Handley, 48, began grooming his victims when they were at primary school age, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Sarah Mallett, prosecuting, outlined several incidents involving Handley and the two children in which he forced them to perform sexual acts.

On one occasion, he dragged one of them to the floor and attempted to have sex with her on her birthday.

On another occasion, he tried to pull her onto a bed, again in an attempt to have sex.

Shaven-headed Handley instigated one attack by giving a "sex education"lesson to one of the girls, said Ms Mallett.

Complaints were first made against Handley in 2003, but he denied the offences.

A fresh police investigation began in April last year when he again attacked one of the girls and she reported him.

Paul Newcombe, for Handley, said this would be his first jail sentence.

He said that Handley, who continued to deny the offences, had attempted to take his life on three occasions, the last being directly because of the allegations he faced.

Handley, of Lonsdale Road, Middlesbrough, was convicted following a trial earlier this year of rape, indecency with a child, attempted rape, indecent assault and assault by penetration.

Judge Peter Bowers told Handley: "You remain a very serious risk to teenage girls. You are a sexual predator who persistently groomed these two young girls."

The judge said he would serve a minimum period of six years in jail before he would be eligible to apply for parole.

He also said no child aged under 18 would be allowed to reside with him without the permission of social services.

Handley, who remained impassive in the dock during the duration of his sentencing hearing, was also banned for ten years from working with children.