A PAEDOPHILE labelled "dangerous" by a judge must spend a minimum of almost ten years in jail.

Graham Matthews was told he must serve at least two-thirds of a 14-year sentence imposed for 18 sex offences against young girls.

Matthews, 57, of Roman Road, Taunton, had earlier pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

When he appeared for sentencing at Taunton Crown Court today (Friday, February 19), the court heard that Matthew handed himself in at Taunton Police Station when he thought his crimes were about to be discovered.

He confessed to committing the offences against two girls, telling police that he finds girls aged from four to teenage years attractive.

The court heard that Matthews had two previous convictions for sex offences - one for indecent assault against a four-year-old girl and another for indecent assault on a girl aged under 14.

Judge Patrick sentenced Matthews to 14 years in prison for rape, with an extended sentence of 20 years.

He was handed sentences of four months to six years for the other offences, which will run concurrently.

Judge Patrick told Matthews he was a danger to young children and imposed a sexual harm prevention order on him and ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

The judge said: "You are a thoroughly dishonest and manipulative man."

He added that Matthews only went to the police "because you thought that your crimes were about to be discovered - but for that, it seems that your offending would have continued".

He said: "You are dangerous.

"You targeted and groomed your victims - you are highly manipulative and deceitful."

The judge told Matthews he will have to serve two-thirds of the 14-year jail term before being considered for release by the parole board, who will only release him if it is considered safe to do so.