A FORMER taxi driver who sexually assaulted two young girls has been sent to prison for 18 years.

Harry Miah from Norfolk Drive, St Leonards, used to work as a cab driver driving children to schools in East Sussex.

The 53-year-old was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Monday.

The sex attacks happened between 1991 and 1998 in the Hastings area.

Miah’s job was taking care of vulnerable young children and escorting them to school and home.

During the taxi school run he sexually abused a schoolgirl aged between the ages of 12 and 15 on multiple occasions.

In September last year he was convicted of two counts of indecency with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

During the same period Miah also sexually abused another young girl he knew from when she was six until her teenage years.

He was convicted of two counts of indecency with a child after a trial in September last year, and in January this year he pleaded guilty to another count of indecency with a child and one count of attempted rape, all in relation to that girl.

He also admitted having extreme pornography on his computer.

Miah will be a registered sex offender for life and was also given a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, severely restricting his access to children and computers.

PC Kelley Gray said: “This has been a really difficult and distressing case, due to it’s historic nature and to the challenge of sensitively but fully obtaining the evidence from such a long time ago, but this outcome shows that it is possible.

“This investigation started in April 2016 when the victim of the offences in Miah’s taxi contacted us about a separate matter and was triggered by this into recalling and disclosing what had happened to her in the 1990’s.

“This has been a very long process for everyone involved. Both victims showed great courage and strength in coming forward to describe the horrific events that they have experienced, events that as young vulnerable children they should never have had to endure.”

“Victims of this type of offending do not need to suffer in silence. If you, or people you know, are being abused in this way, contact us in confidence at any time online or by calling 101,and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.”

Children's charity the NSPCC said: "Miah was trusted to look after the vulnerable children in his care and instead of ensuring their safety he carried out a prolonged campaign of abuse.

“His victims have shown great bravery in speaking out about their experiences and we hope they have received help and support to get their lives back on track.

“This case sends a clear message that victims of sexual abuse can achieve justice and they will be listened to.”