Paedophile who targeted two schoolchildren jailed for 24 years

Martin Jackson's victims were left traumatised, suffer horror flashbacks and need counselling because of what he did to them.

Jackson, 46, formerly of Wearside and latterly of Seymour Street, North Shields, North Tyneside, was convicted by a jury of offences including rape in relation to one victim and sexual assault in relation to the other.

He denied all charges during a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

At the sentence hearing today Judge Julie Clemitson said Jackson took "extreme measures" to try and ensure the victims' silence, including holding a knife to one of their throats.

Read the region’s news and sport headlines when you sign up for our free emails - get yours here

The judge said Jackson's level of "sexual deviancy" means he poses a significant risk and is a dangerous offender.He was sentenced to an extra one year extended licence and must abide by a sexual harm prevention order and sign the sex offenders register for life.

David Callan, defending, said Jackson is still "shocked" by the guilty verdicts and added: "He intends to use his time in prison positively, learning a new language or learn new skills."