'Predator' jailed for raping girls decades apart

A "sexual predator" who raped and abused three girls decades apart has been jailed for 24 years.

Michael Burke's offending against two girls in the 1990s came to light when a third girl, who he abused more than 20 years later, reported it to police, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

One of his victims said he had "ruined her life", while Judge Carolyn Scott said Burke, 66, had caused "severe psychological harm" and would be "very old" by the time he was free again.

The abuser, from Newcastle, had denied wrongdoing but was found guilty of multiple offences including rape and sexual and indecent assaults of children.

Scott said Burke had shown his "self belief" he could "do what [he] wanted without any consequences", but all three victims "bravely" spoke out.

"You should be utterly ashamed of your actions," the judge told the rapist, adding he had had a "devastating impact" on the girls.

"I do not hesitate in calling you out for what you are, a sexual predator of girls," Scott said.

She said she had deemed Burke to be a "dangerous offender", which would ordinarily result in an extended period of licence to be served upon his eventual release from prison.

But the judge held back from making such an order "given the length of the sentence" imposed and the "likelihood" he would be a "very old man" by the time he was freed.

She said he would have to serve at least two-thirds of the 24 years in prison and must sign the sex offender register for the rest of his life.

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