A Barnsley man, John Kelk, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the sexual abuse of three young girls, subjecting each to "utterly horrific ordeals."

Kelk, 68, physically abused his victims, including dragging one girl by her hair, beating her, and forcing her to drink weed killer. He was found guilty of 22 offenses, including rape and sexual assault, which occurred in the 1970s and 1980s.

South Yorkshire Police described Kelk's crimes as "vile" and "sickening." Detective Constable Nicola Milner, who led the investigation, described the abuse as "horrendous" and highlighted the "utterly horrific ordeals" endured by each victim.

The initial allegations against Kelk surfaced in 2018 when one of the victims disclosed the abuse she suffered as a child to her local police force. This led to an investigation, which subsequently brought two more victims forward.

Det Con Milner stated, "Kelk's abuse began for one of the victims when she was just seven years old and continued into her teens. The others were also just young teenagers when he committed these despicable acts."

She commended the victims for their "remarkable courage and dignity" throughout the investigation, adding, "I am full of admiration and respect for the victims."

Kelk, from Wingfield Road, Athersley South, Barnsley, was sentenced on Friday following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.