Cleator Moor's Stephen Taylor jailed for 19 sex attacks

A man who carried out 19 "horrendous" sexual offences over a 12-year period has been jailed.

Stephen Taylor, of Cumbria, sexually abused the four females, aged between 12 and 24, from 1978 to 1990.

Taylor, 58, from Leconfield Street, Cleator Moor, was convicted of nine counts of rape, six of serious sexual assault and four of indecent assault.

He had denied the charges, but was jailed for 23 years after a trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

Isla Chilton, north-west senior crown prosecutor, said: "He showed a distinctive pattern of behaviour throughout his contact with all the victims, by controlling, manipulating and forcing himself upon each of them.

"He was well aware of their young ages when he targeted them and began systematically abusing them. One of the victims was just 12 when he set his sights on her.

"The victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and taking a stand against their abuser."