A BOURNEMOUTH man branded a "dangerous predator" has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls over an eight-year period in the early 2000s.

Gary Moore, 57, of Florence Road was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Monday March 5 after pleading guilty to eight counts of child sex offences, which took place between 2003 and 2011 in Bedfordshire.

Moore has a previous conviction relating to child sexual offences and was jailed for six years in 2012. He was released after four years, on licence.

Following his release, more information was reported to police and further investigations were carried out by detectives, resulting in the latest case against him.

Detective Constable Martin Hart of Bedfordshire Police said: "Moore is a dangerous predator who was a genuine threat to children. We are therefore glad that he has received a significant custodial sentence and will be no further risk to the public.

"The victims have shown tremendous courage in giving us information on the crimes he committed and, although the sentence handed to Moore will not erase the trauma they have suffered, I hope they are now able to move on from this terrible ordeal.

"We hope this sentence shows how seriously we take child sexual abuse. It doesn’t matter how long ago the crime took place, or whether more details emerge at a later date, we will do everything we can to ensure abhorrent offenders such as Moore are brought to justice, while providing our support to victims and their families."