A PAEDOPHILE who carried out "horrific assaults" against children as young as two has been jailed for 12 years after a police cold case investigation.

Bryan Hudson, 62, was found guilty of five charges of child sex abuse, which dated back more than 20 years, at York Crown Court on Wednesday.

Hudson, of Carr Lane, York, was charged with four counts of indecent assault against a girl and one of gross indecency with a child, over attacks on children as young as two, which dated back to the 1990s.

North Yorkshire Police said an investigation into Hudson had begun at the time of the offences, but there was not enough evidence to charge him.

However, in 2015 he was convicted of possessing indecent images of children, and Detective Constable Gary Blackburn became aware of Hudson’s previous arrest and, after speaking to the victims, their families and the force, a cold case review took place.

The new investigation uncovered another victim, who had been abused by Hudson at the age of four, and with more evidence of Hudson’s offending, charges were able to be brought.

Detective Constable Gary Blackburn, who has since transferred to British Transport Police, said: “Hudson targeted these young girls and subjected them to horrific assaults for his own sexual gratification.

“By pleading not guilty, and forcing them to give evidence against him, he again put them through another distressing experience.

"I’m incredibly grateful to the victims for the bravery they have shown throughout this case.

"No sentence can ever take away the pain and distress they have felt over the last 20 years.

"All of the victims involved have spoken about how they lost their childhoods due to Hudson’s evil actions. I hope this result can help them all move forward, knowing that the man responsible is behind bars."

Det Con Blackburn added: "Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened should feel confident to come forward and report it. We will listen and we will investigate.”

*If you are a victim of sexual abuse, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 01904 699339. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.