A SEX offender who abused children when he was a teenager is finally behind bars 30 years after his sickening crimes started.

Brian Smith, now 44, was exiled from his neighbourhood on Teesside in the 1980s when people became aware of what he had done.

The matter was not reported to police until years later when one of his victim's felt strong enough to tell of her ordeal.

Smith was yesterday (Monday, May 15) locked up for a catalogue of abuse against one schoolgirl, and a single offence against a ten-year-old.

One of the victims came forward last year after receiving counselling.

Smith's barrister told Teesside Crown Court: "He has always known that this day will come, and it has been hanging over him."

Jonathan Walker, mitigating, said: "It is highly significant that this type of offending didn't trespass into his adult years.

"They are offences which didn't warp into into the type of predatory offending that can and has blighted offenders of this type."

The court heard how Smith subjected one girl to repeated sexual attacks, touching her and making her carry out sexual acts.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said he made “concerted and protracted" efforts to have sex with the frightened youngster.

Now an adult and a mother, she told in a moving statement read in court how the abuse cast a shadow over her life.

She said: "I want him to realise how much hurt he has caused. I want him to be sorry and to know he was wrong."

Smith, originally from Norton, Stockton, admitted six charges of indecent assault, two of attempted rape, and one of indecency.

He was jailed for seven years and five months, and put on an order restricting his contact with girls aged under 16.

Mr Walker told Judge Howard Crowson: “He is as sorry as any defendant who comes before this court is.

"He is unrecognisable now from the immature and naive young man who committed these ugly offences."

Judge Crowson told Smith: “Although now you’re 44, I’m sentencing you as though you were a teenager. It’s not an easy exercise.”

Smith, now of Vallum Court, Westgate Road, Newcastle, was also ordered to sign on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Last night, the NSPCC said: “Smith’s victims have had to live with the impact of his appalling crimes for decades and it’s right that he’s now behind bars.

“Sexual abuse robs children of their childhood and can have a lasting impact, well into adulthood.

“That’s why the NSPCC is visiting primary schools across the country with its ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ service, empowering children to protect themselves from abuse and to speak out if they ever experience it."

* Children with any worries can also call Childline on 0800 1111. Adults can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.”