Blackpool man who sexually assaulted two vulnerable young women jailed for 28 years

A Blackpool man who sexually assaulted two vulnerable young women has been jailed.

Gareth Walton was found guilty by a jury of 19 sexual offences after a trial at Preston Crown Court in July.

The 44-year-old was arrested in January after the offences were reported to the police.

The judge jailed Walton, of no fixed address, for 28 years when he appeared for sentence last Friday.

He must serve two-thirds of that sentence before he can apply for parole.

Walton was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ registration for life and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.