A man sexually assaulted two young girls before abusing and raping another.

John Hamilton, 58, preyed on his victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on various occasions in Lanarkshire between June 1995 and July 2000.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Hamilton started sexually assaulting his first victim in June 1995 when she was 12.

He continued to abuse her until November 1995.

Hamilton also started attacking his second victim in June 1995 when she was also 12.

He continued to abuse the girl for another three years.

Hamilton then started abusing a third girl, who was aged ten in October 1995. He sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions until July 2000.

The court heard that on an occasion between September 1998 and October 1999, Hamilton raped the girl.

Hamilton, of Ghillies Loan, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, was convicted of sexual assault and rape charges following trial last month at the High Court in Glasgow.

On Tuesday, he was jailed for nine years.

Defence advocate Simon Gilbride told judge Lord Turnbull his client maintained he was innocent.

Passing sentence, Lord Turnbull said: "It is this court's duty to protect children now and in the future by imposing lengthy sentences on those who abuse them."