A WITNEY man described as a 'sexual predator' has been jailed for two years for sexually assaulting children.

Samuel Fowler, 24, of Bourton Close, Witney, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Monday.

He was convicted of three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 following a five day trial.

Between March 31 2008 and October 31 2008, Fowler sexually assaulted two girls under the age of 13 multiple times.

He sexually abused them and, in an attempt to keep them quiet, he then bribed and threatened them.

He was charged with the offences on March 3 2017.

Fowler will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryn Smith, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit based at Banbury police station, said: "Fowler pleaded not guilty throughout his trial in the face of mounting evidence against him.

"By doing this he made his victims have to endure the harrowing experience of attending court to relive the physical and mental pain of the experiences they had at his hands.

"Fowler is a sexual predator and a danger to children and was only interested in his own sexual urges. He lied to his family and friends who initially supported him in this case.

"These two girls carried their secret for many years and have suffered massive issues in having to do so.

"Now they can start again and, although their childhood was destroyed by this man, they can journey into adulthood without the burden of knowing this man is free.

"I commend the bravery of the victims in reporting this to the police and supporting the investigation into Fowler.

"Their courage in coming forward and enduring the burden of investigation and court is nothing short of heroic."