Man guilty of raping schoolgirls

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Schoolgirls as young as 12 were raped and abused by a County Down man, Belfast Crown Court has heard.

Jason King, 38, from Balfour Street, Newtownards, described as a "predator without a conscience," abused nine girls over a six year period.

King has been convicted of 58 charges, including nine rapes and 25 indecent assaults.

His activities began in 1996 after he separated from his wife and son. He will be sentenced later this week.

The court heard that King befriended and abused girls aged between 12 and 15. Two of his victims became pregnant.

While giving evidence during the trial, one victim told the jury it was "easier just to give in" to his demands.

'Violent undercurrent'

A prosecuting lawyer said that behind King's "improper, immoral and criminal activities" was an undercurrent of violence which he also used to ruthlessly exploit and undermine his victims.

He said King would "stop at nothing to have his own way regardless of their feelings".

The lawyer said King had manipulated the girls for his own sexual gratification and was a "predatory male who set out to ensnare young and vulnerable children".

"We say he is a man possessed of cunning and totally lacking in any sense of conscience or moral fibre," said the lawyer.

A defence lawyer said he was "hampered" in what he could say to the court as King still maintained he is innocent and was wrongly convicted.