'Monster' jailed for sexually abusing three girls

Sydney Burdon was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday

A man who "robbed the childhoods" of three young girls after he sexually abused them over the course of two decades has been jailed for 12 years.

Sydney Burdon, 65, of Throstle Hill, Leeds, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court after being found guilty of nine charges, including rape and indecent assault.

The court heard the girls were aged between nine and 16-years-old at the time of the offences.

One of the victims described Burdon as a "monster" in a statement read out in court, adding the light she had within her before the incident was now "non-existent".

She said: "There are no words to accurately explain to you how this has changed my life.

"I was happy go lucky. The defendant took all that away from me, I feel that the light within me is now non-existent.

"The defendant used the power of manipulation to hurt and betray me and caused me to have to grow up before my time, I feel as though I have been robbed of a normal childhood.

"The defendant should feel ashamed of what he has done and I am so thankful that speaking up has helped people to see him for the true monster that he is."

As well as his sentence, Burdon will serve an extended licence period for four years after that.

He will also have to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and was given a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order too.

Det Sgt Emma Thompson said Burdon was a "predatory male who targeted young children with a pattern of persistent, targeted behaviour".

"At no point did Burdon take any responsibility for what he put those children through and the inability to be accountable for his actions was shown throughout this entire process," she said.

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