'Highly dangerous' man jailed for raping girls

A "highly dangerous" man who preyed on young vulnerable girls has been jailed for a string of rapes and other sex offences.

Michael Scrase was convicted of 21 offences, including 14 counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault and two counts of child abuse.

The 45-year-old, from Whitchurch in Shropshire, carried out the offences some time between 2014 and 2021, West Mercia Police said.

Scrase was sentenced to 28 years in prison and four years on licence when he is released, during a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday.

Det Con Julia Warren, who led the investigation, said: "Scrase is a highly dangerous individual who preyed on young vulnerable girls.

"We welcome the sentence given by the judge, but no sentence can ever take away the lifelong trauma he caused his victims."

She praised the girls' bravery for reporting the offences and showing courage during the trial.

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