Child rapist faces 'day of reckoning' years on

Thomas Robson, 70, was jailed at Durham Crown Court

A child rapist has finally faced his "day of reckoning" for abusing two girls many years ago, a judge has said.

Thomas Robson, 70, raped the children in Durham when they were aged as young as four and five, the city's crown court heard.

One victim said Robson, latterly of Tutbury in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, was a "devil" who cost her her childhood and innocence.

Robson had denied wrongdoing but was found guilty of multiple offences including rape, indecent assault and sexual assault of a child. He was jailed for 19 years.

His offending came to light after his second victim reported him to police years after the abuse, Judge Roger Thomas KC said.

The judge said Robson had been able to live his life "in the ordinary way" while the lives of his victims had been "very much blighted" by the paedophile's "serious sexual misbehaviour".

"The day of reckoning finally comes today," Judge Thomas said.

Victim's 'freedom'

Robson's first victim said she did not realise the full impact of the abuse until many years later, with the "demons" left by him being "deep-rooted".

She said speaking out so long afterwards had "empowered" her while Robson posed an on-going risk to children, adding: "I don't believe he will ever change."

He was convicted of indecent assault in relation to her, but the judge said his offending would now be classed as rape.

The second victim said Robson's abuse had cost her her childhood and innocence and left her with "crippling" mental health issues.

She said Robson was a "predator" and "devil" but she took solace from having spoken up and now had some "freedom" in her mind.

Robson will have to serve a further two years on extended licence and must sign the sex offender register for life.