A top chef was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls.

Peter Wright, who has worked in some of the city's most highly-regarded restaurants and catered for private clients abroad, was found guilty of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault.

The court heard that Wright, now 31, repeatedly targeted his victims when they were as young as 12 during the noughties. He also tried to rape one of the girls on one occasion.

In a statement read out to the court, one victim described the impact of the abuse, saying: "I don't feel like I have a normal childhood. There is a huge void that can never be filled. It's hard to accept my life is never going to be normal because of what he did to me."

The other victim said she had self-harmed and attempted suicide as a result of the abuse, stating: "I felt like I was overwhelmed with pressure and pain. I withdrew more and more and distanced myself from everybody. It feels like the poison he has caused is never ending. He has an utter disregard for the devastation he had caused - he does not seem to care."

During the sentencing hearing, Wright was seen shaking his head and smiling as the statements were read out. He also said "I don't think so" at one stage, which led to the judge reprimanding him.

In defense of his client, Andrew Jebb highlighted Wright's culinary talent and work history, but acknowledged the "appalling behaviour" of his teenage years.

Judge Anil Murray stated that while he took into account Wright's age at the time of the offences, he failed to take responsibility for his actions and showed no remorse.

Wright was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely and was prohibited from contacting his victims for life.