The Wheatley Hill Paedophile, Paul Pender, 58, perpetrated past offences against two children, both under the age of 12, as shown in Newcastle Crown Court.
The victims argued that the lorry driver had irrevocably altered their lives, asserting that the shame associated with the abuse should have been his to endure, not theirs.
Paul Pender, hailing from Wheatley Hill, County Durham, denied any misconduct but was convicted of ten offences, including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency.
His first victim told the court the abuse had “massively affected” their life and its impact could only be described through “pain, heartbreak and loss”.
They said they had felt “scared, alone and unlovable” as a child and had been treated as a “dirty little secret who could be blamed for it all”.
“Paul Pender made me feel dirty, degraded and abused,” the victim said, adding: “I used to feel deeply ashamed, but have come to realise it’s not my shame to hide.”
Paul Pender’s other victim said they had repressed the abuse as a child, but the memories had come flooding back after speaking with police.
“My life, as I knew it, was shattered in an instant,” they said, adding: “It has infected every part of my life.”
Judge Sarah Mallet said both victims had been “incredibly brave” and Paul Pender had inflicted “severe psychological harm” on them.
Judge Mallett said Paul Pender, of Rock Farm Mews, would have to serve two thirds of his jail term before becoming eligible for parole.
In addition, he will have to serve a further year on extended licence.
Paul Pender must sign the sex offender register for the rest of his life, with a sexual harm prevention order also issued, restricting any future contact with children.
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