A man who sexually abused two children has been jailed for 19 years.

Marvin Scampion denied nine charges against a boy and a girl aged under 13 but was found guilty after a two-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

The 48-year-old, of Edward Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, was cleared of one sexual assault charge.

In an impact statement, one of his victims said Scampion "took my childhood away".

'Thought I was crazy'

The jury heard Scampion was arrested in January 2020 after one of the victims made disclosures at school.

Both complainants, who are now adults, gave evidence in court and provided impact statements.

The male victim said his life had been destroyed by the abuse, which "took my childhood away".

Describing the court case, he added: "[It] was difficult for me, pouring everything out. I thought I was going crazy when [Scampion] was denying it."

The female complainant said she still suffered from frequent panic attacks and nightmares which made it hard to sleep.

Addressing Scampion directly, she added: "What I won't let you do is take away my bravery."

In evidence, Scampion accepted he had developed an addiction to pornography but denied it had led him to commit sexual offences.

He was convicted of four sexual offences against a boy under the age of 13 between 2008 and 2011 and two against a girl under 13 between 2015 and 2016.

He was also found guilty of two charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child present and a charge of cruelty to a child aged under 16 when he produced a knife.

Passing sentence, Judge James House KC told the defendant the damage he had caused would be something the complainants would endure for life.

Scampion was put on the sex offenders' register for life and must serve an extended licence period of 12 months on release.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

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