A CHARD paedophile who targeted vulnerable and disabled young girls before repeatedly raping them has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Robert Brian Shore, 31, of Crowshute Flats, Crowshute, was charged with the offences which are said to have taken place between 2001 and 2005.

He was alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in Yeovil, and to have raped two vulnerable women under the age of 16 on a number of occasions.

He denied the crimes and accused his victims of being in a conspiracy against him, but was found guilty after a trial at Taunton Crown Court.

The court heard that Shore had committed the first offences of rape and multiple rapes around 16 years ago.

Patrick Mason, representing Shore, said: “The court is looking at somebody who conducted these offences between the age of 14 and 19. Since then, he has grown in maturity and rehabilitated aspects of his life.

“There is a suggestion that he has personality problems. He had a very difficult childhood with his adopted parents throwing him out at one stage.

“The pattern of offending started and finished when he was in his teens, and he has kept himself out of trouble for many years.”

Judge David Ticehurst said that he believed it was ‘no coincidence’ that the three victims were vulnerable, young, and with a history of either learning difficulties or disabilities.

In summary, Judge Ticehurst said to the defendant: “On November 14, you were convicted of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

“Your offending took place over a period of four years. Some were multiple incident rapes against the same victim.

“You falsely accused them of being in a conspiracy against you. Each victim was vulnerable in their own particular way.

“I have no doubt, having heard the evidence, that you targeted these vulnerable and in some cases disabled women.

“I have seen the victim personal statements and it is abundantly clear the stress and continuous problems your offending has caused and continues to cause.

“You get no credit as you forced your victims to relive their ordeals.”

Shore was found guilty of two counts of rape, or three counts of multiple incident rape, and one count of sexual assault, and was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, with an extended licence of five years.

He has also been given a sexual harm prevention order for life and placed on a sex offender’s register.

Judge Ticehurst added: “Having raped one victim, you then moved on to the next vulnerable victim.

“I am in no doubt you represent a significantly dangerous young man who would target vulnerable women is able to do so.”