A CHILD rapist who destroyed the lives of his two young victim has been locked up for 18 years.
Matthew Pattison repeatedly raped and sexually abused the young girls over a number of years before his victims plucked up the courage to speak out.
The 28-year-old carried out the sickening abuse on both victims when they were under 13, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Nick Adlington, prosecuting, said Pattison's crimes finally came to light in 2019 when one of his victims broke down and told a school education officer about what he did to her.
In a victim impact statement, one of the girls said she now suffers from depression and she always feels 'dirty' after she was repeatedly abused.
The second victim, who is now an adult, said the abuse had left her unable 'to look at herself in the mirror' and struggles to maintain relationships.
She added: "I find that the slightest actions or smells can set off triggers which end in panic, upset and emotional episodes.
"I find it difficult to talk to people about what happened to me and when I do it makes me feel ashamed and disgusted about myself."
Pattison, of Crestwood, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of 14 offences against the two young girls, including multiple rapes and serious sexually assaults.
Robert Mochrie, in mitigation, said Pattison was of previous good character but continued to deny the offences.
Recorder David Gordon told Pattison he had used 'emotional blackmail' to control his two victims.
He added: "These are grave offences, which have had a devastating affect on these two young women for the rest of their lives.
"You robbed them of their innocence, you ruined their childhood and the damage will be long lasting."
Pattison will be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, and was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
He was also given an indefinite restraining order.
Specialist CAVA (Children and Vulnerable Adults) officers from Cleveland Police carried out a thorough investigation to bring the case to court.
Welcoming the lengthy custodial sentence, Rebecca Lisle said: “I hope it reassures our communities that police and partner agencies will always work together to take action against anyone committing sexual offences against children."
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