A CHILD rapist already behind bars for a string of offences has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of rape against a girl, beginning from when she was just six years old.

Christopher Bryant, who was jailed for 19 years in 2015, was brought before Salisbury Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the charge of multiple rapes against the youngster between 1996 and 2001. The earliest allegation dates from July 1996, when Bryant became a 10-year-old, the age of criminal responsibility.

Bryant, 29, pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and three of indecent assault when he appeared by video link at Swindon Crown Court in July, but entered a guilty plea when he appeared in the dock at Salisbury on Monday.

He was jailed for eight years - but this will be served concurrently with his existing term imposed last summer, when he was convicted of three counts of rape of a child under 13, two sexual assaults of a child under 13 and causing a child to watch a sexual act, all of which he denied.

A jury of seven men and five women took less than two hours to find him guilty of the offences, which took place between December 2011 and spring 2014.

Bryant will have to serve two thirds of the jail term before he can apply for parole and will only be freed when he is thought to no longer present a risk. He will also be on licence for an extra three years after a judge ruled he presented a significant risk of serious harm in the future.

Following his sentencing, an NSPCC spokesman said: “Bryant is a serial sex offender, responsible for dozens of horrendous attacks over many years.

"His defenceless victims were children, aged as young as three. Among his unspeakable crimes were a string of rapes and sexual assaults, alongside a campaign of systematic grooming.

“His victims must be praised for their enormous bravery in speaking out. Thanks to their actions, Bryant is now behind bars where he cannot hurt any other children.

“Sexual abuse can ruin childhoods and affect individuals into adulthood, so it’s vital anyone affected can access the support they need rather than suffer in silence, as sadly so many do.

"ChildLine, 0800 1111, is available 24/7 to offer confidential advice. Meanwhile, adults concerned about a child’s welfare can call our helpline on 0808 800 5000.”