Man who abused young children jailed for 25 years

A man who sexually abused young children then accused his victims of lying has been jailed for 25 years.

Carl Hrecko, 39, carried out a "vicious" sexual assault on a child in June 2023, North Yorkshire Police said, with further offences emerging following an investigation.

At York Crown Court in February, Hrecko, from Selby, was found guilty of 14 sexual assault charges against children under 10.

At the same court on Monday, he was told he would appear on the sex offenders register for life.

Det Con Marcus Furneaux-Harris said: "The family concerned have had to endure two long trials before being able to see justice.

"Carl Hrecko's defence was solely to accuse the victims of which he had assaulted as lying to get him in trouble.

"Hrecko was emotionless when the jury delivered their verdict."

The detective commended the way the victims composed themselves during court proceedings and hoped the sentence would give them "some closure".

"The bravery demonstrated by the children involved was inspirational and well beyond their years," he added.

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