'Dangerous predator' jailed for 19 years

A "dangerous predator" whose offending dated back three decades has been jailed for 19 years.

Lee Grant, 45, was convicted of 10 offences following a three-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court earlier this year.

His crimes included two counts of rape against a girl aged between 13 and 15, five counts of sexually assaulting a woman and one count of raping a woman.

Grant, of Junction Road in Stainforth, Doncaster, was also found guilty of two counts of indecent assault against a girl under the age of 14.

The bravery of one of Grant's victims in reporting the offences to the police led to other victims coming forward, South Yorkshire Police said.

Some of the offences were committed between 1993 and 1995, while others took place in the early 2000s and in the past five years.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape between 2003 and 2004.

Speaking after his sentencing hearing on Friday, Det Con Leanne Daffern said: "The courage shown by all of Grant's victims in telling us about what happened to them has led to a dangerous predator being put behind bars.

"I really want to commend them for coming forward and speaking to us about what must have been an incredibly traumatic experience."

She added: "It is never too late to report a sexual offence and if you have been a victim or you know someone who has been a victim of this crime, please know that we are here to listen to you and support you through every step of the process."

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