13 life sentences for paedophile

ONE of Britain’s most prolific paedophiles was handed 13 life sentences yesterday as it emerged seven more victims had come forward in the past week.

Andrew Tracey, 70, who preyed on at least 17 children while an English teacher and Scout leader, was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years, for 45 child sex offences.

Now the National Crime Agency is investigating whether he may have attacked scores of other children after seven new victims accused him of sexual abuse just a week after his conviction at the Old Bailey.

Yesterday one of Tracey’s victims spoke for the first time about his ordeal. The man, now 40, said the ‘system had failed’ and questioned how Tracey was allowed to adopt a child when he was a member of the Paedophile Information Exchange.

The victim, raped after being invited to a sleepover with the adopted boy, said: ‘If the authorities knew and he was still able to go and adopt, that is out of order.’

Judge Mark Lucraft said: ‘This is a most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse … Your conduct towards each and every one of these victims is horrific and deeply disturbing.’