A MAN who boasted on the internet of sexually abusing young boys has been jailed for 30 years.

Stephen John Page (45), of Consett, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court last Friday to three decades behind bars after pleading guilty to a string of charges against young boys.

Page admitted four counts of rape, and one of inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, all involving the same victim. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on a different child, in addition to possessing 15 indecent photographs of children on his mobile phone.

Durham Crown Court heard that all the incidents occurred in Consett, and Page boasted of having had sex with underage boys in chats with ‘like-minded’ men online.

While living and growing up in the Durham town, Page was well-known throughout Tynedale as a cricketer in the West Tyne League for Stocksfield and Medomsley, and he was also a member of Prudhoe’s Dragon Tale Theatre Group.

As it was believed he poses a risk of potential future harm to boys, Page was given the extended prison sentence.

He must serve a minimum of 20 years in custody before he can apply for parole and, on release, he will be subject to six years’ extended supervision.

Page will also be on the sex offender register for life.

Following the sentence, a spokesman for NSPCC said: “Page’s sickening and repeated abuse of his two young victims was compounded by his boasting about his horrendous crimes. Both boys have shown incredible courage in speaking out and helping make sure Page is now behind bars.

“We hope the significant sentence handed down, which reflects the seriousness of the offences, will give them some comfort that justice has been served.

“Sexual abuse ruins childhoods and its devastating effects can last long into adulthood.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that the victims now receive the support they need to recover from what has happened to them.”