A “SEXUAL predator” who raped two 16-year-old girls has been jailed for 18 years.

Patrick Brian Sallabank, 20, was ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years, after he was found guilty of both offences.

One of the rapes took place in Bridlington in October last year, and the other was in Bradford last July.

The court heard Sallabank, of Upper Rushton Road in Bradford Moor, raped a 16-year-old girl at a party in Bradford and while on police bail he struck again in Bridlington, three months later.

After the second rape, Sallabank phoned police to confess and during a police interview said: “I worry the rapes could happen again. It could go to rape again… or rape to murder. It could go to anything, with the thoughts I have. It’s not good.”

Sentencing Sallabank at Hull Crown Court, Judge Mark Bury said: “I have come to the clear conclusion you are a dangerous offender, a danger to the public and a high risk of committing serious specified sexual offences in the future.

“You are a specific danger to teenage girls. There were serious aggravating features. These girls were vulnerable. One was asleep, drink was involved and an element of detention.”

The court heard Sallabank plied the girl in Bridlington with cider and whisky, then attacked her when she went to get more drink.

His barrister Chloe Fairley said: “He has an emotional unstable personality made worse by drink. He had violence from his father and witnessed violence against his mother. His parents were both alcoholics.

Detective Inspector Anothony Cockerill, of Humberside Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “This is a very positive result for the victims in this case and also for other victims of serious sexual offences. This conviction may help other victims of rape to have the confidence to come forward and report their crimes."

He praised both victims for their courage.