A man has been jailed for almost 30 years for sexually assaulting two young women.

Gareth Walton, 44, was found guilty of 19 sexual offences by a jury at Preston Crown Court in July.

An investigation was launched by Lancashire Police in January after the offences were reported.

Walton, of no fixed address in Blackpool, was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Friday, September 20. He must serve two-thirds of that sentence before he can apply for parole.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

Det Sgt Cherie Hall of Blackpool Police, said: “Walton committed these deplorable offences against two vulnerable victims.

“Both of them showed great courage and bravery to report these offences and then to give evidence at the trial.

“I welcome the long prison sentence passed on Walton and it shows how seriously the judge viewed the offences committed.

“If you have been a victim of sexual offences, please come forward to report them so that the police can investigate and help bring offenders to justice.”