A “dangerous and prolific” paedophile who preyed on young boys in north Essex has been jailed for 18 years.

Leslie Bryan, 64, had denied a string of child sex offences in Clacton dating back to the ‘70s and ‘80s, forcing his victims to give evidence.

He was arrested by Essex Police on December 13, 2016, after officers received reports alleging he had abused young boys.

Bryan appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on June 21, 2017 where he faced charges of nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of buggery, two counts of indecency with a child.

All the offences related to three boys under the age of 16.

He denied the charges but was found guilty of all 13 offences following a four day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

At the same court today he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Investigating officer Dc Jeanine Atkins-Calver said: “Leslie Bryan is a dangerous and prolific offender who preyed on young boys.

“No child should ever experience the type of abuse Bryan subjected his victims too. His crimes were vile and have had a long-lasting impact.

“The fact he refused to admit his guilt, making his victims re-live their ordeal through a trial is particularly galling and I want to praise them for their courage through this process. I hope this sentence brings them some solace.

“I also hope this shows that it is never too late to report abuse that may have happened years ago. If you’ve been the victim of sexual abuse in the past, please come forward to report it.”