A peadophile who abused three young girls has been jailed for 15 years.
David John Bower Tebbs, 57, raped one girl and sexually assaulted two others.
He was locked up for 15 years this week after a court heard evidence of his shocking crimes.
Judge Beverley Lunt said the serious offences were aggravated by the fact that Tebbs had attempted to threaten and blackmail the victims to prevent his crimes being revealed.
She said: “You showed a gross breach of trust in respect of three young children.”
Prosecutor Jeremy Grout-Smith told Burnley Crown Court that the first incidents started when Tebbs had sexually abused a girl.
Years later, while living in Hyndburn, Tebbs abused another girl before telling her in a 'strict voice' not to tell anyone.
In a statement one of the victims said she was on medication for anxiety as a result of the abuse.
She said: “I have really struggled to work through this all my life. I'm now relieved it has all come out.”
Tebbs, of Brooklands Avenue, Helmshore, pleaded guilty to rape, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and indecent assault.
James Heyworth, defending Tebbs, said it was rare for a defendant to make full admissions in interview and volunteer information.
He said: “He is disgusted with himself as anybody would be.
“He knows that, short of turning back time, there is nothing he can do other than admit it.”
Tebbs was jailed for 15 years by Judge Beverley Lunt, who also handed him a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and disqualified
from working with children and vulnerable people.
