Michael Snow, 73, from Hull, abused the two boys 40 years apart after sickeningly instigating card games where his victims had to strip naked with him.

York Crown Court heard how Snow's most recent victim reported the abuse which occurred between 2015 and 2017 in the Hull and Filey areas of Yorkshire.

He was charged with the rape of a child under the age of 13, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child and sexual assault on a child aged under 13.

After Snow was charged, a second victim came forward days later to report that Snow had sexually abused him in similar circumstances in Hull during 1977.

With support from Humberside Police, Snow was charged with further offences including indecency with a child, indecent assault and attempted buggery to which he also pleaded guilty.

The boy who was abused between 2015 and 2017 told the court how the abuse had caused him mental health problems and meant that he had issues trusting others.

In a victim impact statement read in court, he said: “My emotions are bad, I am depressed and constantly anxious and I find I get upset all the time and can’t help crying.

“I have been seeing a specialist counsellor to try to address my emotions, anxiety and depression. Some weeks this has been helpful but often I just cannot pay attention. I have so much going on in my mind.

“I have real difficulties in friendships and find it really hard to trust people. I don’t know if I will ever trust people again.

“I take issues out of context and proportion and I believe that people hate me.

“I have been hurt both physically and emotionally and I know the path to recovery will be slow and painful.”

The victim from 1977, who is now aged in his early 50s, told the police that the ordeal of being abused as a child had been hanging over him to the present day.

Detective Constable Steve Monty, from Scarborough CID and who led the investigation, described Snow's abuse as "calculated" and "abhorrent".

He said: “The systematic and calculated way in which Michael Snow targeted his two victims is truly abhorrent. He disguised his abusive intentions towards the youngsters, making it seem like a ‘game’ while playing cards.

“These are the sickening actions of a very dangerous individual who, having committed the offences 40 years apart, has plainly shown that the best place for him to be is in prison. He will also be subjected to robust restrictions and monitoring for the remainder of his life.”

DC Monty added: “As for the two victims who have endured unimaginable pain and anguish caused by Snow, I have nothing but admiration for their courage in coming forward to seek justice and access the professional care and support that is readily available.

“I hope that they can take some comfort knowing that the person who has brought them so much misery for so long, is now facing the harsh consequences of his terrible crimes.

“Our message to other victims of sexual abuse, no matter when it occurred, is that we are here to help you every step of the way. Please don’t suffer in silence.”

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James Mitchinson (Editor)

"Calculated" paedophile from Hull who played stripping card games with young boys is jailed for 17 years