A man who systematically sexually abused and degraded two children, kept his “evil secrets” to himself for decades until it surfaced earlier this year.

Thomas Reay, who was said to have put his “twisted sexual needs” above the mental health and well-being of his victims, could yet spend most of the rest of his life behind bars.

The 66-year-old defendant today (Tuesday, September 24) received a 26-year sentence at Durham Crown Court as, “an offender of particular concern”.

His sentence is made up of a 25-year custodial element, of which he must serve at least two-thirds, with a one-year licence extension.

(Image: Northumbria Police) But the defendant was told it would be up to the Parole Board when he is considered suitable for release, at some point after he has spent at least 16 years and eight months in custody, and he may have to serve the full 25 years behind bars.

His depraved sexual offending only came to light when one of his victims, supported by the other, came forward earlier this year.

(Image: Northumbria Police) Recorder Nicholas Lumley KC, who passed the sentence, said it was something of a relief for the victims that, for an offence which only surfaced in late May, the defendant was being sentenced in September, having admitted his crimes.

The Recorder said he has been told of the defendant’s “regret”, but he told him he could have previously admitted his crimes at a lot earlier stage, instead of waiting for his victims to come forward at this point in all of their lives.

When confronted the defendant provided a prepared statement in which he said he would not deny the allegations but would say no more.

In a victim statement, one of the abused pair spoke of having felt “worthless and dirty” and contemplated self-harm, while the other spoke of “utter devastation” felt by the repeated abuse.

Recorder Lumley told Reay: “You inflicted severe psychological harm, detained your victims against their will and engaged in a campaign of sexual abuse."

See more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Our flash sale is still on – 30% off an annual subscription. Get unlimited access to local news, enjoy our ad-free mobile and tablet app and read the replica of the paper on your device. Subscribe before it's too late, by clicking here!

Having heard of the defendant’s poor health, Recorder Lumley said he may spend the remainder of his life in custody.

However long he lives, Reay will be subject to notification as a sex offender, restrictions under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and prohibitions under a restraining order, all for life.

He admitted a 17-count indictment, including six charges of rape, one of attempted rape, plus four others of sexual penetration, at a previous plea hearing, prior to today's sentencing hearing at Durham