Sheffield Crown Court heard William Cargill befriended one 13-year-old girl then plied her with booze and took her up to his bedroom where he raped her.

Two other girls, aged 13 and 15, were groped by the 59-year-old.

Cargill denied the attacks but was found guilty of rape and nine counts of indecent assault after a trial. A jury cleared him of indecent assault against a fourth youngster.

The court was told the girls - who cannot be identified - visited Cargill's home, in Grays Road, Carlton, Barnsley, because they heard he sold cigarettes to anyone who wanted them. He then attacked them.

Cargill's defence said the offences happened last year when Cargill, who served three tours of Northern Ireland in the Army, followed the death of his wife when he was unemployed and suffering ill health.

Judge John Swanson said: "You were becoming increasingly sexually attracted towards girls and, on one occasion, committed the most serious offence of all.

"You supplied drink to get her drunk and were determined to take advantage of her that night and you eventually found yourself in the bedroom with this girl. This is a very serious offence."

Judge Swanson heard pleas for leniency on Cargill's behalf due to his ill health.

But he sentenced the paedophile to a total of seven years – half of which will be served in prison and the second period on licence.

Cargill has also been placed on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life.

After the case, Det Con Eddie Mackenzie, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "I think the result of this case is appropriate.

"It was a difficult and lengthy inquiry for all concerned and the jury returned the right verdict," he added.

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