A PREDATORY paedophile who sexually abused three children was jailed for 19 years yesterday (Wednesday February 1).
Tony White, 50, blighted the lives of two boys and girl in attacks at addresses in Biggleswade and Ware, in Herts, Luton Crown Court was told.
White, of Wisteria Court, Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, Essex, was convicted of 15 charges of indecent assault, two charges of rape of a child under age 13 and one of sexual activity with a child aged under 13.
His victims, who are now adults, were praised by Judge Barbara Mensah for their "tremendous courage" in coming forward to report the attacks.
They were aged between four and eighteen when they were abused - with the offences ranging in time from 1977 to 2008.
Defence barrister Philip Misner said White, a plumber, continued to deny his guilt. He said that since being held in prison White had gained enhanced status, helping other prisoners who could not read or write.
Jailing him, Judge Barbara Mensah said: "You come across as a cold, calculating, manipulative, devious and dishonest.
"The offences went on for a very long number of years. You groomed these young people.
"The Victim Impact Statements make clear you blighted their childhoods. One said he lost his childhood.
"It is quite clear you are a predatory paedophile who manipulated and groomed your young victims."
The judge ordered that he sign the sex offenders' register for life.
She also made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from contacting his victims and having any contact with anyone aged under 18.
The judge's sentence was greeted with applause from the public gallery as White was led away.
