A MAN dubbed a “serial abuser of girls” was yesterday jailed for ten years.

Alcoholic Andrew Stephen Brown carried out the offences after plying the victims with drink, having adopted an “open house” policy at his home.

Durham Crown Court heard that Brown, who carried out the abuse while living at addresses in areas of Durham City, and in Jarrow, South Tyneside, became confident they would never report his activities.

But he was arrested when a complaint was made by a girl in November 2007.

Amanda Rippon, prosecuting, said he made denials and was bailed, but continued his activities and was again arrested and charged with offences in September last year.

Other incidents then came to light and he was arrested again, the following day.

Miss Rippon told the court: “He is a serial sexual abuser of girls, unable to control his urges.

“He simply never thought the victims would complain and then simply thought they would never be believed.”

Charged with a total of 19 offences spanning several years, 44-year-old Brown pleaded guilty to seven charges on the day of his scheduled trial, in May.

Miss Rippon added that the prosecution had since agreed to accept the pleas and not to proceed with the other cases.

Tom Moran, for Brown, said: “The pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service shows an unusual degree of frankness for someone who is guilty of matters like this.”

Mr Moran said it was only Brown’s embarrassment at admitting his behaviour to his family, who knew nothing of the incidents, that prevented him making earlier guilty pleas.

“I would submit that the offences arose from opportunism after separating from his wife.

“He was drinking mind-boggling amounts of up to five litres of vodka a day.”

Mr Moran said the house, “became a magnet for young people to go to, thinking there were no rules there, and, under that context, the abuse took place”.

Jailing him, Judge Guy Whitburn said he considered Brown a danger to young girls and ordered that he be the subject of an extended sevenyear licence period on his release.

He also banned Brown from ever working with children, and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, as well as ordering him to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, both for life.