A Coalvillle man who sexually abused two teenage girls over a 16-year period has been jailed for 20 years.

On Wednesday, Sean Lawrence, 51, was found guilty of:

* Three counts of indecent assault

* Three counts of rape

* Two counts of sexual assault

* One count of intimidation

He was convicted following a trial and returned to Leicester Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

Both victims, who are now adults, were sexually abused at locations across Leicestershire.

In June last year, one of his victims contacted police to say the tyres on her vehicle had been slashed, stating she believed Lawrence, of Linford Crescent, Coalville, was responsible as she told people he had abused her.

Following the initial report, the victim disclosed to police she had been sexually abused between 2010 and 2014.

As part of the investigation, a second victim was identified. She told police she had been subjected to sexual abuse by Lawrence between 1998 and 2003.

Detective Constable Anna Blockley, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) non-recent team, was the investigating officer.

She said: "Lawrence thought he would be able to keep one of his victims quiet by trying to intimidate her. He thought if he threatened her, his crimes would go unnoticed.

"But he was wrong. Both victims in this case have shown strength and courage in reporting matters to police and as a result, Lawrence has been brought to justice.

"I hope the fact he has been convicted of his crimes can provide some comfort to the two victims."

He was found not guilty of one count of indecent assault, one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.