A PAEDOPHILE who sexually abused two girls when they were aged as young as 10 has been jailed.

John Cooper, from Orford, was handed 27 months behind bars at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting six historic attacks on his victims.

The former limousine driver assaulted one victim between 1977 and 1980 when she was aged as young as 10, before attacking her again at a party around 10 years later as an adult.

Cooper, of Poplars Avenue, then abused a second girl – who was also aged 10 when the indecent assaults began – between 2001 and 2004.

Now, the mum of one of this second victim has spoken out about the 71-year-old's vile sex attacks.

She said: "We were very close to him, and when you grow up with someone you don't expect them to do something like this.

"These girls have got to live with what he's done for the rest of their lives.

"He did this to my daughter for three years on and off, it's horrible.

"It's an awful feeling – they should have been safe.

"I don't think he's got long enough, but my daughter wasn't bothered if he went to jail or not – she just wanted him to admit what he'd done.

"People should know what he's done – he got away lightly on his sentence, so I want everybody to know what he is."

Cooper admitted six counts of indecent assault, with the pensioner also being handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order banning him from contacting his victims on Friday, February 28.

The mum added: "I mentioned him a couple of years ago, and if it wasn't for that I'm not sure it would ever have come out.

"She was scared that it was so long ago that nobody would believe her.

"I was devastated when I found out.

"The other woman has carried this for 40-odd years, she thought she'd have to take it to her grave.

"How do we know he's not done it to more women?

"I hope he rots and gets what he deserves."