A PREDATORY paedophile who raped a young girl and indecently assaulted another has been jailed for ten years.

Wayne Bruce, 50, of Rettendon View, Wickford, was found guilty of one count of rape, two counts of attempted rape and five counts of indecent assault.

The victims and their families wept and clapped as the sentence was passed at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

One family member said: "We feel so relieved the truth is finally out. The victims have had to live with this for years. Now they can finally move forward with their lives and put the past behind them."

The offences happened between 1988 and 1996.

Bruce sexually assaulted his youngest victim for the first time after luring her into woods in Vange when she was eight years old.

The victim, who is now in her twenties, told the court she was regularly abused by Bruce and between the ages of 11 and 14 he would try to rape her twice a week.

On one occasion, Bruce managed to rape her in Laindon. The defendant also targeted a second young girl and indecently assaulted her on several occasions when she was aged between eight and 12.

Judge Christopher Mitchell told him: "You have been convicted by a jury of a number of serious sex offences, including rape.

"These young girls lived in fear of you, and were too scared to report these matters."

During his trial, Bruce showed no remorse and insisted he was innocent.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer, Det Con John Staines, said: "The determination of the witnesses to believe in the criminal justice system was a major factor in finally bringing this man to justice.

"This emphasises the principle that you cannot hide illegal activity behind the passage of time."

Bruce, who was cleared of one count of rape, was also ordered to sign on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.