A 72-year-old paedophile from Gloucester was sentenced to 25 years in prison today (June 3) for the multiple rapes of two children among 15 offences.

Terrence Simmons, of Westgate Street, enticed children into his flat with pet animals and tropical fish and befriended their parents in order to gain access to them.

His victims bravely gave evidence in Gloucester Crown Court before Simmons was convicted for the multiple rapes of two children; sexual assaults on a child under 13; assault by penetration of a child under 13 multiple times; and the indecent assault of a child.

Among a total of 15 offences he was also convicted for taking and possessing indecent images of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images.

Detective Constable Penny Starkey, who investigated the case, said: "I would like to thank the victims for their continuous support throughout this case, starting with their courage coming forward and talking about the most intimate things about themselves.

"I am in awe of the way that they persisted in the pursuit of getting this sexual predator off the streets and behind bars.

"I hope that after this process they find closure and calm in their lives and start the healing process.

"For them it is a case of starting this process all over again, after shutting their memories off for so long and having to open the wounds when they were made to give evidence in court by someone who has denied any wrong doing."

Police said the offences were not committed recently.