A TIMPERLEY man has been jailed for indecently assaulting young girls.

Barry Rayner, aged 45, of Houldsworth Avenue, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault on girls under 16-years-old, four counts of indecency with children under 14-years-old and three counts of sexual assault at an earlier trial.

He was today sentenced to nine years in prison, ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life and made the subject of an indefinite sexual offences prevention order.

Rayner started abusing one girl in 1994 when she was seven-years-old and this lasted for six years.

In 1996 he began abusing the second girl, who was also seven-years-old. Rayner continued to abuse her until she was 16.

The victims reported the abuse to the police in 2008.

Detective Constable Nicola Graham, of Trafford public protection unit, said: "These women, who were merely girls at the time of the abuse, have shown immense bravery in reporting the abuse to the police.

"Their courage has resulted in a depraved man being put behind bars, where he can no longer hurt them or anyone else.

"I would urge anyone in a similar situation to contact police or seek support from the various help groups available.

"We will thoroughly investigate all reports of abuse, no matter how long ago that it happened."

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.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515.