A 49-year-old man has been jailed for raping and sexually assaulting two children.

John Coxon, of Lawrence Road, Flixton was sentenced today to 12 years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Coxon pleaded guilty to six counts of rape, 10 counts of buggery and five counts of indecent assault on 25 September.

He is also been made subject to an indefinite Sex Offenders' Prevention Order, preventing him from having any contact with children under 16.

Coxon systematically raped and sexually assaulted two children over nine years in the 1980s.

The incidents were reported to police in December 2007.

Detective Constable Nicola Graham of Trafford Public Protection Unit said: "I hope today's sentence will bring some closure to Coxon's victims.

"If it hadn't been for the bravery of the person who reported this to police and their encouragement of the victims of Coxon's depraved behaviour, he may never have had to face justice for his sick actions.

"We take all reports of sexual abuse very seriously and would encourage anyone who has been a victim, no matter when the offences occurred, to come forward and report it to police."

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.