When a schoolgirl complained to police paedophile Timothy Williams, sexually abused her no action was taken.

There was a lack of corroboration, a crown court judge was told, but at the time he was also abusing two other young girls.

He pleaded guilty to 23 various charges of sexual abuse and was jailed for 12 years at Caernarfon crown court.

Williams, 55, of Colwyn Bay, was told by Judge Huw Rees that his "horrendous" historical offences bore the hallmarks of a stealthy paedophile grooming girls for his lustful needs.

Judge Rees said: "There was an allegation in the early 2000s, this came to light recently when all three complainants were seen. He was arrested in November 2017, initially denying the allegations. He was released under investigation then in April told police he wanted to make admissions."

According to the probation service he presented a high risk of harm to pre-pubescent girls.

Jonathan Austin, prosecuting, said one girl had twice tried to kill herself and the others suffered depression and anxiety.

Matthew Curtis, defending, said Williams accepted he deserved severe punishment.

Judge Rees imposed an extended licence period of six years and indefinite restraining orders and he will be on the sex offenders' register for life.