A PAEDOPHILE who abused two young girls decades ago could see out the remainder of his days in a prison cell.

Maurice Holiday, already a convicted sex offender, was jailed for 17 years when he was found guilty of sexually abusing the youngsters following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The 75-year-old served a three-year prison sentence imposed in 1965 for raping another underage girl whom he and others had lured from an amusement park.

The court heard how as a young man, Holiday touched and had sex with the first girl.

She told in a statement read out in court how he took an interest in her when she was underage.

“I didn’t know anything about life," she said. “I later came to realise how much he groomed me and as I became more mature I realised how wrong it was and how he had used me.

“The thoughts about what happened never really left the back of my mind.

“The build-up to this case has taken its toll on me. I’ve lost weight and I worry and fret a lot.”

Holiday went on to rape and sexually assault another girl repeatedly, amid violence and threats to ensure her silence.

The judge, Recorder Allison Hunter QC, told the defendant: “You took her childhood. She was subjected to these grotesque offences.

“There were threats against her to prevent her reporting the offences that you committed against her.”

She said Holliday inflicted severe psychological harm on the vulnerable girl.

“You have shown no remorse,” added the judge.

Following a two-day trial, a jury unanimously convicted him on three counts of rape and six of indecent assault.

Holiday, of Bylands Way, Darlington, was jailed for 17 years, with an extra year’s licence. He will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Speaking directly to the victims in the public gallery, the judge said: “Thank you for your dignity. I’m sorry that the process has been so difficult.

“I hope you feel that a measure of justice has been done in this case.”

In mitigation, Andrew Stranex, said: “Whilst it’s not unheard-of, it’s an unusually long length of time between the offences and his conviction.”

He said Holiday had several medical conditions and asked for the sentence to be kept as low as possible.

After the case, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “The bravery of these women in seeking help after suffering such disgusting abuse cannot be understated.

“By courageously speaking out, they have ensured that Holiday could be brought to justice for his appalling crimes, and we hope that they are receiving the support they need.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward no matter when it happened.”

Children can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800-1111. Adults who wish to report abuse or concerns for a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808-800-5000.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “The bravery of these women in seeking help after suffering such disgusting abuse cannot be understated.

“By courageously speaking out, they have ensured that Holiday could be brought to justice for his appalling crimes, and we hope that they are receiving the support they need.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward no matter when it happened.”

Children can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111. Adults who wish to report abuse or concerns for a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.