A FIEND who sexually abused two young girls has been jailed.

Jon Pelling was found guilty of five offences against two victims in Brighton, Newhaven and Lancing.

The 39-year-old targeted one girl when she was aged between eight and 11, from 2012 to 2014.

Meanwhile his second victim was just 14 when she was targeted in 2011.

Detectives investigating the case said he gained the trust of both girls before abusing them for his own sick gratification.

The court heard that Pelling committed three sexual assaults in Brighton, and child neglect in Newhaven, against one of his victims.

He also sexually assaulted a 14-year-old in Lancing.

At Hove Crown Court Pelling, formerly of Newhaven, was jailed for a total of 14 years.

During the trial both the victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, gave evidence behind screens.

It meant only the judge, jury and barristers could see them.

After the case, Detective Constable Nikki Clarke said: “This offending first came to light two years ago when the first young girl disclosed her experiences with Pelling to relatives, and social workers and police were immediately informed.

“During that investigation we discovered anonymous information about Pelling suggesting that he had behaved inappropriately with other young girls. We identified one of them, the Lancing victim, and she disclosed to us the offending by Pelling against her.

“Both victims resolutely supported the prosecution and gave evidence at the trial, from behind screens so that only judge, jury and counsel to could see them.

“Pelling had gained the confidence of these two very young and trusting girls over a period of time, and then used them purely for his own sexual gratification.

“We will always follow up such reports no matter from how long ago, to seek justice and support victims.”

Advice for victims or rape and serious sexual assaults is available on the Sussex Police website.