VICTIMS of sexual assault are being urged to come forward after a predatory paedophile was jailed for abusing teenage boys.

Michael Strange, a former coach and scout for Durham County Cricket Club, faces four-and-a-half in prison after a fifth person reported him.

On Tuesday, Strange was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court of nine counts of sexual assault.

On Wednesday he jailed for a third time after being convicted of historic allegations.

The most recent victim to come forward was abused by Strange during the early 2000s.

Strange would offer him lifts home, sometimes taking him to remote locations and forcing him to watch pornographic films.

Strange, now 60, of Upton Street, Bensham, Gateshead, was previously jailed in 2012 for six years for the abuse of three boys going back to the 1990s, and again in 2016 for the abuse of one boy subsequently.

Detective Constable Ryan Askwith, the officer in the case, said: “I want to praise his victims who have come forward to ensure justice has been carried out. I understand there may well be victims who perhaps might not want to come forward or could feel they have left it too late, this is absolutely not the case. We can still seek justice for those who have suffered and we actively urge victims to speak out.”

Anyone who has been victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the “Tell Us Something” page of the Northumbria Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency.

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800-011-3116 who will give independent advice and support.