A child rapist who subjected two young girls to "ghastly" sexual abuse has been sentenced to 19 years in jail.

Brian Thrale, 65, pleaded guilty to the offence in September, when he also admitted an attempted rape and gross sexual misconduct dating back 30 years.

Today, he was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court where Judge James O’Mahony told him that the victims suffered ghastly sexual abuse.

Thrale is already serving a 15-year prison sentence, imposed at the same court in 2012, for similar offences.

The new 19-year sentence will be served concurrently and starts from 2012.

Thrale, from Marshlands, Dymchurch, will only be released when the parole board believes it is safe to do so and then he will be on an extended period of licence for four years.

"You have a devious and disgusting problem..." - Judge O'Mahony

Judge O’Mahony told Thrale: “People like you rely on the fact that people will not come forward. That is the disgusting way that people like you operate.”

Alex Rook, prosecuting, told the court that Thrale had been interviewed about the new offences while in prison and had then admitted them when he appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on September 15.

Judge O’Mahony said: “In the devious and wicked way that you do, you said the victim was the one to blame. This is classic paedophile behaviour.

“The original offences were extremely grave and resulted in a 15-year sentence. These offences are even worse.

"Throughout you appear wholly concerned about yourself. You have a devious and disgusting problem.

“You pose a risk in my judgement for a considerable time to come. You are highly dangerous and you have no remorse.”

Jayotis Lemosa, defending, said the offences were dreadful and disturbing and there was little in the way of mitigation.

“But I am duty bound to say that they are not the most grave in the criminal calendar,” he added. “They appear to be opportunistic.”

Judge O’Mahony said he did not buy that one at all.

Mr Lemosa said that Thrale used no violence towards his victims and his ability to reoffend would be limited by his advancing years.

Stories you might have missed

Woman chases bandits... on horse

Three charged after 'plot to steal safes and cash machine'

Care worker accused of murder 'blinded by boyfriend'

April fools... that were actually true