A notorious paedophile has been jailed for 12 years after historic incidents of child abuse came to light.

Former postman Michael James Williams, 38, of Bohelland Road, groomed and sexually abused two girls for years from the time they were 13.

He used his position as secretary of a local sports club to befriend the pair before driving them to secluded areas, plying them with alcohol and sexually assaulting them.

Williams went on to abuse nine more children in the following years, for which he was jailed in 2010.

Released in 2014, the paedophile was last year found to have downloaded indecent images of children of the most serious kind.

The latest assault charges were brought against him after his two victims came forward and reported the incidents to police in 2017.

He initially denied assaulting the two girls and was due to stand trial, but later changed his pleas to guilty.

Prosecuting at Truro Crown Court today, Heather Hope described how Williams carried out a campaign of "emotional blackmail" in which he would praise the girls and make them feel good about themselves, but tell them off if they stood up to him.

She spoke about how Williams had sex with one of the girls on at least three occasions, and sexually assaulted the other victim several times.

He would pressure them to drink alcohol until they were sick before abusing them, she said.

Ms Hope said: "At school girls would describe doing nice things with their boyfriends. Holding hands, kissing. [The victim] would wonder why the things she did with Mr Williams didn't feel nice. He told her not to tell anyone because they wouldn't understand."

In 2018, after he was released from prison, Williams' computer was seized and found to contain around 30 indecent images of children including nine of the most serious kind.

Mitigating, Ramsay Quaife spoke about how his client's guilty pleas should be taken into account as they spared the victims from having to stand in court and give evidence.

Mr Quaife spoke about how Williams held down a steady job before his first imprisonment and was in a relationship.

He added that the Penryn man suffered from depression and had concerns about his elderly and frail parents.

Sentencing Williams, Judge Simon Carr referenced reports from both a psychiatrist and probation officer that suggested the man was a dangerous predator.

Judge Carr said: "You present a very serious risk to children. Having read what I have, I have no doubt you will for the rest of your life."

Williams was given an extended sentence of 12 years in prison and a further six on licence for the 15 charges.

A spokesperson for the NSPCC in the South West said: “Williams is a prolific offender whose abhorrent actions will have had a devastating impact on his victims.

“This vile predator groomed and manipulated vulnerable children, leaving them to come to terms with the horrendous experiences he made them endure.

“They showed incredible bravery in speaking out, and it is crucial they now receive the appropriate support to overcome their trauma and help them move forward.”

Any child in need of advice and support can call ChildLine for free at any time of day or night on 0800 1111. Meanwhile, adults with concerns over a youngster’s welfare can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.