A 21-YEAR-OLD man who admitted raping a girl aged under 13 and sexually assaulting two young female children was jailed for eight years yesterday, at Warrington Crown Court.

Karl Barrie, of Halton YMCA, Halton Lodge Avenue, Runcorn, admitted 19 counts of indecently and sexually assaulting two girls aged under 13 and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

Matthew Dunford QC, prosecuting, said the offences dated back to 2005, when the victims were aged seven and nine.

The crimes only came to light on July 15, last year, when the younger victim, now aged 12, told a teaching assistant at school.

The older victim, now aged 14, burst into tears when her mother asked her if she had been sexually assaulted.

The police were informed and both girls were interviewed on video.

They described a catalogue of sexual abuse.

Barrie was arrested on the day the offences were revealed.

He denied abusing the youngest victim but admitted sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

He later admitted all offences.

Daniel Dennis, QC, defending, said: “He pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, saving the victims from giving evidence.

“He is a young man of good character. He is intelligent and polite to all of those dealing with him professionally.

“He acquired 10 GCSEs and should have a better understanding and know how to behave.”

Sentencing him, Judge David Hale, said: “A rape is a most serious offence.

“You are now almost 22. You have, over a number of years, abused two young girls.

“You are an intelligent man. Why you deviated, I don’t know. Clearly, you have the ability to work your way out of difficulties and will receive the treatment you need when you are in prison to redress your offending behaviour.”

A sexual offences prevention order was made for 10 years and Barrie was disqualified from working with children.

He was given a life ban on being in the presence of any child under 16, unless supervised by their parent.