A “PREDATORY” man who groomed young girls for sex in a series of traumatic incidents that led them to self-harm has been jailed for more than six years.

Duncan Morgan, 24, took advantage of the girls, who were under 15, who were attracted by his “cool” lifestyle, a court heard yesterday.

Morgan, of Bridge Street, Abercarn, had sex with the four girls in a toilet, inside a flat and in the street, Newport Crown Court heard.

Morgan, of Bridge Street, Abercarn, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child.

He traumatised the girls, though one dealt better with her experiences, having thrived at school, the court heard.

Crown prosecutor Jeremy Jenkins told the court: “Each has self-harmed. Each has been traumatised by these events.”

Defending Morgan, Hugh Wallace, told the court: “He is guilty because he took advantage of young girls.

He is not guilty of rape.

“At no stage did he ever force anyone, but he groomed them, I have to accept that.”

Mr Jenkins said Morgan had a “laid-back” lifestyle which encouraged drinking and smoking and some of the girls ended up missing school.

Jailing him for a total of six years and three months, Judge Daniel Williams said: “You represent a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm.”

Judge Williams, who labelled his behaviour “predatory”, jailed him for six years and three months for one offence and five years and three months for another offence.

He also imposed sentences of three years, four years and three years for the remaining counts, all to be served concurrently.

Judge Williams said he would have to serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison before being released.

He added that he would then be on licence for three years and also imposed a sexual offences prevention order.

Speaking after the hearing, a parent of one of the victims said: “I’m glad he got his sentence.

“The kids can move forward from this, look forward to a better future and forget about these horrible events.

“I am glad justice has been served and the children were believed and he is in prison.”

Investigating officer Det Sgt Sarah Goodchild said: “We are pleased to see Duncan Morgan sentenced for the crimes he committed today.

“He consistently and deliberately befriended children.

“The impact of his crimes will undoubtedly have a long lasting effect on the victims in this case.

“But it was their bravery in having the courage to come forward and give evidence that saw him brought to justice today.”