A sexual predator has been given a 30-year sentence for a catalogue of offending against five children and two women.
Peter Alan Barnes, 57, appeared before a judge at Preston Crown Court to be sentenced after a jury found him guilty last week of 43 sexual offences.
He admitted one offence against an adult victim before the start of his trial.
His sentence comprised of a 24-year prison sentence, with an extended six-year licence period, the judge deeming him a dangerous offender.
Barnes, of Central Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, was not in the dock to hear his sentence, refusing to attend in person or via video link from prison.
His youngest victim was nine-years old; another was aged 12, a third victim was aged between 12 and 13, and two victims were 15.
Two of Barnes’ victims were adults when he carried out offences against them.
In addition to the prison sentence and extended licence, Barnes was given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and put on the sex offenders register for life.
Det Con Hazel Richardson, from Lancashire Police’s East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team, said: “I welcome the lengthy sentence imposed on Barnes and I hope it provides a sense of justice for his victims.
“His offending was reprehensible and caused his victims so much trauma.
“The victims showed great bravery in coming forward and then reliving their horrific ordeals when they gave evidence.”
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