A sexual predator who targeted young children over a period of 40 years has been jailed.

Mark Ryley, 56, of Mansfield, High Wych, Sawbridgeworth, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he abused three children in Hertfordshire and East London.

The vile abuse took place between 1981 and 2014 and it is believed that he knew all three of his female victims. They were all under the age of 16 when the abuse, which included attempted rape and sexual activity, began.

In 2013, a female came forward and reported that she was molested by Ryley from the age of six-years-old and the abuse continued until she was 13.

An investigation by officers from the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command (CASO) led them to identify two further victims. Both subsequently gave accounts of the abuse they had suffered at the hands of Ryley which he carried out over a period of years between the early 2000s up until 2014.

Ryley was arrested on 6 February 2015 and charged on 27 July 2015. He appeared for trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 14 May and was found guilty of 16 offences.

He was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault, seven counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of assault by penetration, and two counts of attempted rape.

Children’s charity, the NSPCC, has applauded the bravery of the women who came forward to give evidence against Ryley.

A spokesperson said: “Ryley’s decades off sickening abuse against young girls was ultimately stopped by the bravery of those he targeted.

“Thanks to their tremendous courage a vile sexual predator is behind bars where he cannot harm other children.

“It’s vital that children are educated about abuse from an early age and know that if it happens to them it is never their fault and they will be listened to and supported when they speak out.

“Children can contact Childline for help, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk.”

Detective Constable Sherai Israel, from CASO, said: "This was a complex investigation relating to the abuse of vulnerable victims that began more than 30 years ago. I commend the victims for their bravery in coming forward and would ask that if there are any further victims out there they contact police."

If you have been a victim of Mark Ryley, please contact police on 020 8217 6537 or 101.