TWO men who sexually abused 12 underage teenage girls have been jailed. 

Osmon Koroma, a labourer, 31, and Max N'Gasa, a gardener, 25, groomed the girls with alcohol and cigarettes.

Today they were sent to prison for 14 years and 11 years respectively after being convicted of eight offences and ten offences respectively, both including rape. 

The offences were committed in and around Littlehampton between 2010 and 2014 when the victims were aged between 13 and 15.

They were convicted on May 18 after a six-week trial, having denied all the offences.

Detective Chief Inspector Miles Ockwell said in a statement issued by Sussex Police: "We are glad to know that justice has now been done for the girls.

"As Judge Jeremy Gold said in passing the sentences, it was clear that Koroma's flat acted as a magnet for the girls, whose physical maturity outstripped their emotional maturity.

"He observed that Koroma and Ngasa were warned by the police in July 2012 about their behaviour but chose to ignore the warning.

"When the investigation re-commenced in 2014 the full extent of their behaviour became apparent.

"Judge Gold commended all the girls without exception for giving evidence, especially in view of being called liars or told they were mistaken whilst giving evidence.

"When referring to the victims' personal statements, he stated that Koroma and Ngasa's actions have had a profound and lasting effect on the girls.

"Young girls were sexually abused by one or other of these defendants and sometimes by both."

"I want to pay tribute to all of the girls who had the courage to stand up in court and tell their stories. In doing so, they have undoubtedly saved other children who may have been targeted by this pair."