AN ELDERLY paedophile responsible for hundreds of child sex offences while he lived in Cumbria is likely to die behind bars after he was jailed for more than 33 years.

A judge told 78-year-old Stephen Mahoney, who pleaded guilty to 12 sample charges which encompassed multiple child rapes and indecent assaults against multiple victims, that he was the most prolific child sex offender he had ever seen.

Mahoney had been due to face a trial following earlier denials but he finally admitted his guilt, entering guilty pleas to specimen charges.

Some of the charges make reference to the offending happening on hundreds of occasions, and in one instance on at least 250 occasions. He was finally brought to justice today, more than 50 years after his offending  began.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the admissions covered hundreds of instances of child sexual abuse by the defendant, mostly rapes, in Carlisle.

The defendant’s name will appear on the national Sex Offender Register for the remainder of his life. Until his arrest, Mahoney had been living at Glen Road, Wishaw, Glasgow.

At the plea hearing, defence lawyer Jeff Smith said that Mahoney knew that the 'inevitable outcome' of the case. The sentencing was delayed so that background reports could assess the defendant’s medical needs and how they could be addressed in jail.

Mr Smith told the sentencing judge that Mahoney - appearing before the court via a video link from Durham Prison - would spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Noting that the offences were a long time away, Mr Smith said Mahoney had finally admitted his guilt.

As he passed sentence, Judge Michael Fanning said that during a legal career spanning more than 30 years he had never seen a more depraved defendant.

Mahoney was the most prolific sex offender he had ever dealt with, he said. During his last court appearance late last year, the defendant had appeared via a video link from his home.

At the time, he was in his home, wearing his slippers, dressing gown and pyjamas.  At today's hearing, Mahoney claimed not to know what was happening. 

The judge ruled that he must physically appear at court for his sentencing hearing. Judge Fanning imposed a total sentence of 33 years and six months.

Cumbria Police offers comprehensive advice for sexual abuse issues on its website page dedicated to Support for Rape and Sexual Abuse page. If necessary, victims can call the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support line on 0808 500 2222.

You can also find out more from The Bridgeway Sexual Abuse Support Service, which can be contacted on 0808 118 6432. The service offers advice and support, regardless of whether victims wish to pursue a possible prosecution.