A former Lancashire policeman who appeared to be a pillar of the community was an 'abhorrent' sexual predator who abused two young girls.

Keith Harrison, of Blackburn, thought his shameful secret was safe but years after he molested the primary school children the truth emerged and he was today jailed for six years.

A judge told 79-year-old Harrison, who sat shaking his head during his sentencing hearing, that psychiatric and pre-sentence reports revealed a “mass of contradictions” and he appeared to see himself as a victim.

However he now claims to be remorseful and Judge Louise Brandon said that she gave him “the benefit of the doubt” but pointed out: “You, perhaps more than most, should have known there is no justification for what you did and would have known that full well, but you carried on anyway.”

Liverpool Crown Court heard that after leaving the police force at the rank of detective constable, Harrison went on to have a career with a solicitors’s firm.

The judge added: “You no doubt saw yourself as a pillar of the community but behind the scenes you were a predator.”

Judge Brandon said that his claim not to have gained sexual gratification from his offending behaviour “is particularly concerning” and imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from unsupervised contact with children.

On one occasion he hurt the younger child while molesting her. The judge said: “Although you apologised you made her feel guilty and made yourself the victim.”

Harrison, of Merchants House, Merchants Quay, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to six offences of sexual assault spanning six years involving four counts for one girl and two for the other. Neil Bisayra, prosecuting, said that Harrison repeatedly sexually assaulted one girl when she was aged between eight years and 11 and then turned his attention to another little girl while she was nine and ten.

He would sexually molest them after starting with tickling games or massaging their back and the judge described him as “grooming” them. Although he touched them under their knickers there was no penetrative activity.

The girls had not wanted to tell the police but some years later after the older girl told a counsellor about her ordeal he told the police, said Mr Bisayra.

In their impact statements the two victims told how they had both needed counselling and had struggled to move on with their lives.

The younger girl is on anti-depressants and has had suicidal thoughts. The court heard the victim had said: “I experience a lack of motivation on a regular basis and struggle to concentrate.”

Jonathan Duffy, defending, said that Harrison, who walks with the aid of a crutch, has no previous convictions and has always admitted his offending behaviour.

“He has assorted medical issues, some serious,” he said, adding that Harrison is also suffering psychiatric problems.

“He has no clear explanation as to why he behaved as he did. He accepts without reservation that what he did was wrong and is totally remorseful.

"He has never denied inappropriate sexual touching and he knows he must be punished,” said Mr Duffy.

DC Ifte Ali from Blackburn Police: “I am pleased with today’s result and hope that now Harrison has been sentenced, the victims can start to move forward with their lives. I must commend the bravery they have shown in coming forward and recounting what happened to them.

“Harrison used to be a police officer, which makes what he did all the more abhorrent.

"He should have shown respect for the law and protected the most vulnerable. Instead, he took advantage of these victims for his own gratification.

“This case demonstrates our tireless approach when it comes to tackling those who commit sickening offences against children.

"We are determined to bring the perpetrators of abuse to justice, regardless of how long ago the abuse took place and when it is reported to us. If you have been subjected to sexual abuse, please come forward and speak to us; you will be listened to and supported.”