A former Lydd man has been jailed for life for a series of horrific sex attacks on children.

Sadist Shaun Sharp subjected his victims to humiliating abuse involving violence, cruelty and perversions.

The 57-year-old admitted 21 charges on the day he was due to stand trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

But prosecutor Daniel Stevenson said they involved at least 130 incidents of rape or sexual abuse going back more than 10 years.

Bearded Sharp, who has since moved to the West Country, sat impassive as details of the “horrific” attacks were outlined.

Judge Heather Norton said his victims had suffered “life-changing and life shattering” consequences which had robbed them of the childhood.

She said she had listened to “eloquent and heart-breaking “ victim impact statements read to the court on behalf of two of Sharp’s victims, who sat in the public gallery.

Judge Norton said the shocking details of Sharp’s grotesque abuse had stunned “even a judge who is well used to hearing the details of horrific sex attacks.”

Sharp was told that he had shown no remorse or empathy for what he had done – but had tried to blame others for his sordid behaviour.

"This was horrific abuse of children. I have considered whether the seriousness is such that they demand a sentence for life." Judge Heather Norton

“This was horrific abuse of children. The length and breadth of your offending is such that I have considered whether the seriousness is such that they demand a sentence for life.

“There are some cases, not many, where the gravity of the offending demands the opprobrium of a life sentence and in my view this is one of those cases, “ she added.

Sharp was told he would have to serve at least 10 and a half years before he can even be considered for release – and even then won’t be released until the Parole Board believes it was safe for him to be allowed back into society.

Judge Norton passed life sentences on three of the offences – and a total of 149 years on the other 18 – all to run concurrently.

After Sharp was taken away to the cells, the judge told two of the victims that she couldn’t imagine what they had been through.

She then praised them for showing courage in coming forward saying: “You should be congratulated for that.”

Investigating officer Det Con Paris Cook said: "The offences committed by Shaun Sharp were abhorrent and will linger long in the memories of those he abused.

"He showed a complete disregard for their welfare and clearly poses a significant risk to children. Prison is the best place for him.

"The victims in this case have quite rightly been applauded for having the courage to speak up and report Sharp’s crimes.

"They are an inspiration to other victims of historic sexual abuse and have helped send a strong message that time is no barrier for such offences to be investigated."

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Sharp subjected his victims to the most terrifying levels of abuse and his wicked actions have had a devastating effect on their lives.

“It takes an enormous amount of courage for abuse victims to speak out about their ordeal but this case shows once again that when they do they are listened to and predators like Sharp can be brought to justice.

“We hope Sharp’s sentence brings his victims some form of closure and that they have received all the support available to help them move forward with their lives.”