A convicted rapist will be almost 90 years old before he can be considered for release from prison after being sentenced to 27 years behind bars.

Skipton man Charles David Pratt, now 71, was convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of a catalogue of serious sexual offenses against three female complainants, whose identities must remain protected for legal reasons.

Judge Ahmed Nadim commended the bravery of Pratt's victims in coming forward to report his historical sexual abuse. He stated: "They are deserving of the gratitude of this court and society as a whole for the courage they showed in reporting you to the authorities and bringing you to justice, and in the process reliving the most painful of memories."

The court heard that Pratt, of Keighley Road, Skipton, committed offenses of rape against the two women and a girl, often while under the influence of alcohol. Judge Nadim emphasized that Pratt had also resorted to violence to overcome any resistance his victims may have offered to his sexual demands.

He said: "In short, Charles Pratt, you are a violent and callous man. In order to meet your perverted sexual needs, you do not recognize or respect any societal or moral boundaries. As a result of your conduct, three lives have been blighted. The damage you have inflicted upon each of your victims is immeasurable."

Pratt, who had no previous convictions, was found guilty by the jury of several rape offenses and other sexual allegations. Judge Nadim clarified that Pratt would have to serve at least two-thirds of his 27-year jail sentence before his case could be considered by the Parole Board.

He explained: "This means you will serve at least 18 years imprisonment before that reference to the Parole Board can take place."

Pratt was also classified as "an offender of particular concern," which resulted in an additional 12-month licence period being added to his sentence. He will also be required to register as a sex offender with the police for the remainder of his life.