A WINWICK man has been jailed for 26 years for raping two girls.

Patrick Desmond O’Sullivan, aged 67, was found guilty of numerous sex offences at Warrington Crown Court on Friday.

They included rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and sexual activity with a child. 

The defendant was jailed for 18 years, and an extended licence of eight years. 

It means if he is not suitable for release after 18 years, he will stay in prison for another eight.

O’Sullivan, of Myddleton Lane, carried out the rapes, which ‘destroyed the lives of his victims’, between January 2005 and December 2012, in Warrington.

Two girls were raped between the ages of 11 and 15, and another girl of the same age was also sexually abused.

The paedophile had pleaded not guilty to 20 charges on the indictment.

However, a jury found him guilty after a five day trial last week on counts three to 20.

O’Sullivan has previous convictions for sex offences against another young girl.

The court heard sexually abusing children is ‘part of his make-up’.

He was found not guilty of two counts of rape against an adult woman.

Following the case, investigating officer DC Deborah Carter, from Cheshire Police, said: “This man has been convicted of horrific serious sexual offences, multiple rapes committed against children.

“He has targeted his victims and manipulated circumstances to afford him the opportunity to commit this vile abuse.

“It is not possible to comprehend the impact this has had on the victims, they have been left traumatised and their lives destroyed.

Det Chf Insp Nigel Wenham said: “Patrick O’Sullivan will not be considered for release until he will be over 100 years old.

“He is a predatory paedophile, who abused children in the most horrific way possible.

"I would encourage anyone who has any concerns or is being abused to come forward, speak to us and we will help.

“We have specially trained officers working across Cheshire who will listen to you and work with you.

“Do not suffer in silence, speak to a friend, teacher or other professional and come forward."