A PAEDOPHILE targeted three girls and sexually abused them.

Anthony Calway is starting a prison sentence for sexual assault on the girls in Brighton.

The victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were known to the bearded sex offender.

He was able to get unsupervised access for his own sexual gratification, Lewes Crown Court heard.

The unemployed 49-year-old was jailed for three years and ten months following the conviction.

It was revealed the offences had taken place in Brighton victims aged between 12 and 18.

Detective Constable Elaine Welsh said: “The girls bravely supported our investigation and gave evidence against Calway in court which helped bring him to justice.

Lewes Crown Court.

Lewes Crown Court.

"Calway, who lived in Brighton at the time the offences were committed there four years ago, knew his victims and was able to have unsupervised access to them which the court found that he used for his own sexual gratification.”

Calway, of Bayham Road, Hailsham, is now behind bars.

He will be a registered sex offender for life and was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, to last until further court order, severely restricting his access to children.

Anthony Calway has been jailed for sexual assault on girls in Brighton

Anthony Calway has been jailed for sexual assault on girls in Brighton

DC Welsh added: "We will always investigate such reports and ensure that those who make them receive specialist support."

Support for sex offences victims is available on the Sussex Police website.