A Paignton man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting a string of sexual offences against children.

Craig Short, 53, of Woodland Mews, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on January 14th and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order. The crimes, which did not take place recently, involved a boy and a girl when they were aged between six and 15-years-old.

Short, who had previously pleaded guilty to indecency with a child, was charged with six counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and four counts of sexually assaulting a child. In addition to the prison sentence, he was handed six years on extended licence, meaning he will serve the extra period in the community.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard how Short sexually abused the male victim at a variety of locations and showed the boy pornographic videos. The second victim in the case also described how she had been sexually abused as a child by him.

Short initially denied any wrongdoing when questioned by police, saying that the allegations against him were made up. He later admitted his guilt.