Sex attacker's decades of abuse

An "evil" former miner has been jailed for 21 years for sex attacks against seven young girls in a campaign of abuse that lasted more than 30 years.

Kingsley Vincent, 58, from Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, used the girls like "toys" and kept "trophy" photographs on a computer, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

He was convicted of 20 charges, including rape, indecent assault and indecency.

Judge Stephen Hopkins called him an "evil man"' without a conscience.

The court heard he was first reported by a victim in 1989 but he escaped prosecution on that occasion because of a lack of evidence.

He went on to target young girls with learning disabilities who he thought were "easy prey".

This case is amongst the worst I have ever had to deal with in 30 years of practising the law Judge Stephen Hopkins QC

Judge Hopkins told him: "You used these girls as no more than a toy to satisfy your perverted lust.

"I watched you carefully throughout the trial and your reaction has been consistent throughout as it is now - one of total indifference for what you have done.

"You are incapable of recognising the damage you have caused.

"This case is amongst the worst I have ever had to deal with in 30 years of practising the law."

The court heard that Vincent's crimes dated back to 1975 but his first victim was 21 before she came forward.

Judge Hopkins told Vincent: "Your first victim who made a complaint in 1989 but the decision was taken not to prosecute.

"Had a different decision been made others would have escaped your lust."

The court heard the other children were all aged under 13.

Vincent was ordered to register as a sex offender and banned from working with children when he is released from jail.