A FORMER soldier who sexually abused two vulnerable young girls has vowed to “take his revenge” when he is freed from a 12-year jail term, a court heard.

Paedophile Brian Newman, 83, was jailed at Basildon Crown Court for a campaign of sexual abuse against the youngsters spanning more than 20 years.

Judge David Owen-Jones said perverted Newman, of Centurion Close, Shoebury, told probation officers in a pre-sentence report he planned to cause further emotional pain to his victims on his release.

He told the court: “He has said when he is released he will take his revenge. It doesn’t say very much about the way his mind is working at the moment.

“Looking at him, I think the chances of him succeeding in that kind of activity is probably pretty limited.”

Frail Newman, wearing a blue blazer without a military pin he had worn at previous hearings, was allowed to sit down throughout his appearance because of ill health.

The court heard details of horrendous abuse and grooming of the girls, who were aged under ten and 15.

The court heard Newman continues to maintain his innocence despite being convicted after a trial in December.

His convictions are for an indecent assault between April 1993 and June 1998; two counts of indecent assault between August 1998 and June 2003; five indecent assaults between June 2000 and June 2003; sexual assault of a girl under 13 between November 2012 and June 2015 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between November 2012 and June 2015.

Jailing him for a total of 12 years, Judge Owen-Jones said Newman abused the girls for his own “selfish sexual gratification”.

He said: “It’s clear to me that you groomed these two girls. Both were vulnerable and suggestible. It has had a lasting impact upon them, they blame themselves for what has happened.

“I cannot ignore your age, which is now 83. As age becomes a greater problem I accept that those ailments will worsen rather than get better.

“I bear in mind that you have served in the Armed Forces. But you get no credit because you fought the case.”

Newman must sign the sex offender’s register for life.

He had failed to appear at Basildon Crown Court for sentencing on January 31, and was arrested later that day for failing to appear at court.

Investigating officer, DetCon Tiffany Jennings, said: “Newman has caused a horrendous amount of torment to his victims and their families over a period of several years.

“He has shown no remorse throughout the case and caused further anguish to his victims after failing to appear at court for sentencing, showing no regard for his actions or the criminal justice system.

“Newman’s victims have shown bravery by coming forward and speaking out against a predatory abuser who has been handed a significant custodial sentence.”