A SOUTH Gloucestershire man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for child sex offences.

David Le Cras, 61, of Worthing Road, Patchway, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, December 7.

He admitted to 23 counts in total, including five counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, seven counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

He also admitted two counts taking indecent images of a child, three counts of possession of indecent images of children, one count of rape of a child under 13, one count of prohibited images of children and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image.

Two other counts will lie on file.

The offences involved two victims and took place between 2008 and 2010.

Le Cras was sentenced to 16 years in prison with a further five years on licence.

He will also be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and has been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

DC Sabeena Ali said: “I would like to commend the courage and bravery of the victims in coming forward and reporting these crimes.

“I hope this case sends a message that it doesn’t matter when offences like this were committed, we’ll always listen to, believe and respect victims and ultimately try and obtain justice for them.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can also self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999

The Bridge provides medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault. You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later.