A ‘DANGEROUS and deplorable’ sex fiend has been jailed for up to 15 years after being found guilty of raping two women.

Preston Crown Court heard how dental hygienist David Walsh, 33, of Railton Avenue, Blackburn, raped the women in the space of two years.

The first offence took place in 2012 when Walsh, then living in Blackburn, attacked a 35-year-old victim, with whom he was said to be in a relationship, at her Preston home.

The second sexual assault on a 20-year-old victim happened on January 12, 2014. It is understood that Walsh, who was then living in Blackpool, had met the victim earlier that night in a pub.

The victim and a group of friends went back to Walsh’s flat and, as they were struggling to get a taxi home, he said they could stay. Walsh then went on to rape her.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Lee Wilson said Walsh had committed deplorable acts against the victims and praised their bravery in coming forward.

DI Wilson said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down to Walsh. He is clearly a very dangerous man who had no regard for the rights of his victims and committed deplorable acts against them.

“Both victims have been extremely brave in reporting these offences to us and they have shown tremendous courage throughout the investigation and subsequent court case. I hope the result allows them to move on with their lives now that Walsh has been jailed for a significant period of time.

“I would also like to commend the officers in this case, DCs Bev Thomas and Rebecca Herbert. Throughout the investigation they have shown great determination and tenacity in bringing Walsh to justice for his actions.

“This case shows just how seriously we take reports of sexual offences and I hope it gives other victims the confidence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally throughout.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, I would urge you to come forward and report it to us so that we can provide you with help and support and bring offenders to justice.”

Walsh was originally charged with the 2014 offence and stood trial earlier this year but the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

Following the trial, the second victim came forward to report that she had been raped by Walsh in 2012.

Police launched an investigation and Walsh was subsequently charged in connection with the 2012 incident and faced a re-trial over the original charge.

Walsh must serve a minimum term of 11 years and will only be eligible for release if he is deemed to have shown remorse for his crimes. Otherwise he will serve the full 15 years.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.