A TEENAGER responsible for a number of sex attacks in and around Bicester has been jailed.

Ryan Lockyer was jailed for four years at Oxford Crown Court yesterday after earlier admitting a number of charges.

The 18-year-old’s offending came to light when he assaulted and then sexually assaulted a woman in Nuthatch Way in the town on May 10.

Lockyer, of Elm Close, Ambrosden, admitted causing actual bodily harm and a sexual assault in relation to this incident.

Following a police investigation, he also admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child and asked for two more to be formally taken into consideration. These offences took place in 2010 and 2011 and involved five different victims.

Lockyer was given a four-year jail term with an extended period of licence of three years.

He must sign the sex offender register for life and was given a 10-year sexual-offences prevention order.

Speaking outside court, Det Sgt Craig Kirby said: “During his summing up Judge Gordon Risius clearly identified the substantial danger he felt Lockyer posed to vulnerable females and the community at large, hence this significant sentence.

“He also commended the members of the local community in Bicester who intervened when they heard the victim at Nuthatch Way being attacked.

“It is only as a result of the courage of the victims and witnesses in this case that ensured the judge could sentence Lockyer appropriately to ensure public safety.

“Without the local people of Bicester and the surrounding community intervening at an early stage, and then supporting the subsequent police investigation, we would not have been able to bring Lockyer to justice and ensure his long-term management.”