91�ȱ�

A sex offender has been jailed after targeting a 13-year-old girl and her 15-year-old step-sister in Leicestershire.

The man, who has not been identified to protect the identity of his victims, was seen by his victims as an uncle, police said.

A jury found him guilty of 10 child sexual offence charges at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday.

He was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison, and also received a restraining order.

Leicestershire Police said the 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while staying with the defendant's family in May 2020 to help with childcare.

Investigators then discovered he had also been sending her 15-year-old step-sister sexually explicit messages and videos.

He denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty following a trial.

Det Con James Simpson said: "The victims trusted him and saw him as their uncle, he had been in their lives for some time and was in regular contact with the family.

“It was because of that trust the victim’s family agreed she could help the defendant’s family with the care of their young children.

“He abused that trust for his own sexual gratification. He will never know the impact his actions have had on both the victims.”

Follow 91�ȱ� East Midlands on , on , or on . Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk , externalor via on 0808 100 2210.