A PREDATORY paedophile who used threats of punishment, force and bribes to sexually abuse two young children has been jailed for 19 years.

A jury convicted David Michael Rispin, 54, of Tinley Gardens, Kirkbymoorside, near Pickering, of one count of rape, several charges of indecent assault at the end of a seven-day trial.

York Crown Court heard how Rispin, who had denied the charges, used two children for a number of years for his own sexual gratification.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC told him: “You, as a predatory paedophile, groomed them over a period of years and over a long period of years, taking opportunities presented to you to get them on their own and then use them for your own purposes.

"It is plain from the offences, calculating and cynically you used threats of punishment, force and bribery by way of monies and chocolates to leave them powerless to make a complaint.

“The impact on them was plainly devastating. As their moving personal statements show, they are both still badly affected by your abuse.”

Rispin had denied three charges of rape, three alternatives to the rape charges of indecent assault and a further seven indecent assault charges.

It is the second time David Michael Rispin, 54, has been jailed for crimes against children.

In 1999, he was jailed for five years for a serious sexual offence against a young child.

In addition to the 19-year prison sentence, he was put on the sex offenders’ register for life. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order banning him from ever contacting his victims, staying in the same house as any child under 16 and having any contact with any child under 16 other than under strict conditions and with the express consent of social services.

Rispin, who gave evidence during the trial, showed no reaction as the jury returned its verdicts.

His barrister, Nicholas de la Poer, gave no mitigation.