Paedophile jailed after 15-year sex abuse horror

John Steen, 57, targeted the youngsters – who cannot be named for legal reasons – at addresses across Midlothian between 1987 and 2002.

Steen, from Loanhead, Midlothian, was jailed yesterday at the High Court in Edinburgh for 11 years, having been convicted of rape, indecent assault, and lewd and libidinous practices at an earlier hearing.

The court heard how Steen started abusing a seven-year-old girl at his home in Loanhead in August 1987.

He continued to abuse her until August 1990.

Steen, who has no previous convictions, then started abusing a second girl between March 1992 and March 2002.

Passing sentence, Lord Brailsford said the victims suffered “profound psychological damage” as a consequence of being abused by Steen.

He added: “I have no other option but to impose a custodial sentence.”