A PAEDOPHILE has started a nine year jail sentence this week after pleading guilty to "systematically" abusing two Fylde schoolboys over an 18-month period.

Robert Smith, 48, formerly of Redcar Road, Blackpool, was sentenced to nine years in prison following the hearing at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, April 6.

Smith, who has previous convictions for child indecency offences dating back to 1976, admitted eight charges of indecent assault against the two boys, both aged under 11, between spring 2002 and 2003.

Police launched an investigation into Smith's conduct following an allegation of indecent assault by a seven-year-old girl last July.

He was arrested and remanded in custody but the charge was later dropped by police after the parents of the two boys came forward.

Detective Constable Richard Greer, of Blackpool Police's Family Protection Unit which led the investigation into Smith, says the conviction is a warning to other potential offenders.

DC Greer said: "It has been a long and drawn out process to identify and bring to justice this individual and we're very pleased with the results of this case.

"But more importantly we're happy for the families of the children involved that the legal system has been proven to work and justice has been done for them.

"It's also a loud and clear message to Smith and others like him that people who routinely and systematically abuse children will not be tolerated.

"We will find them and they will be punished.

"In the meantime at least Fylde parents can take comfort in the fact Smith is securely behind bars."