THE bravery of three young girls has put a sex offender behind bars.

They gave statements and were prepared to give evidence against Shaun Leah after he abused them for several years.

Each was indecently assaulted by the 41-year-old from Heybourne Cottage in Crosslane, Risley.

Leah pleaded guilty to

10 counts of indecent assault and one count of assault by penetration at Warrington Crown Court on Monday - all on one girl aged under 14.

He had already pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on two other girls.

The mother of one victim told the Warrington Guardian: "These children were so brave to come forward and speak out about what happened.

"Hopefully now they can get on with their lives."

Leah was jailed for four-and-a-half years and has to notify the police of his address for the rest of his life.

His defence, Sarah Holt, told the court: "He is genuinely remorseful and he takes responsibili-

ty for his actions.

"He knew what he was doing, but felt unable to control his behaviour and his arrest was almost a relief."

Judge Phillip Hughes told Leah: "These offences are extremely serious.

"You were gratifying your own lust by feeling these girls sexually. This was a campaign of offending."