A MAN who repeatedly sexually abused two boys and boasted of his deeds to like-minded “associates” on the internet, has been given a 30-year jail sentence.

As Stephen John Page is believed to pose a risk of potential future harm to boys, the extended sentence was imposed for public protection by a judge at Durham Crown Court.

It means the previously lightly convicted defendant, must serve at least 20 years behind bars before he can apply for parole.

On release, he will be subject to six years’ extended supervision.

The sentences were passed by Judge Christopher Prince after Page admitted four counts of rape and one of inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, all involving the same victim.

Page, 45, of Ashdale Road, Consett, also admitted three counts of sexual assault on a different child, plus possession of indecent photographs of children.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the rapes were committed on one boy, a complete stranger who Page waylaid on a remote spot on the Derwent Walk, near Consett, before the first offence took place.

But there were further rapes of the same boy in changing rooms, as Page used a skeleton key obtained in his role as a Sunday football league treasurer to gain access at times they were not otherwise in use.

Mr Dodds said the sexual assaults were on another young boy in changing room cubicles after Page took him swimming.

It was the “astute observations” of the boy’s mother to an expression made by her son when trying on a new pair of trousers that sparked concern.

Further questions were asked and he revealed what took place on the swimming trips.

When Page was arrested the keys to football changing rooms were recovered, while 15 indecent images of children were found on his mobile phone.

Mr Dodds said in chats with other men, Page boasted of having had sex with underage boys.

The court heard the mother of one of his victims referred to Page as, “a monster” in her victim statement.

Barry Robson, mitigating, said Page’s “conflicting sexuality” was referenced in reports prepared for the hearing.

But, he added that the offending took place after a previous long relationship ended, leading Page into “aggressive drinking”, causing his “disinhibited behaviour” to come to the surface.

Judge Prince described Page as, “highly manipulative,” and, “willing to resort to threats, coercion and blackmail.”

Page will be subject to registration as a sex offender for life.