A Norfolk man who sexually abused six young girls has been given an extended 17-year sentence by a judge who said he posed a 'significant risk' to women.

Tony Godfree, 23, carried out the sex abuse on the victims, five of which were aged about 14 or 15, over a two-and-a-half year period and Judge Stephen Holt said Godfree appeared to regard sex with the young victims as 'almost his right'.

Judge Holt said a sinister and worrying aspect of his behaviour was the 'level of violence' he displayed in some of the assaults, when he grabbed the victims and pressed on their throats.

'In my view it has very worrying indications.'

He said impact statements made by three of the victims showed the lasting effects of his actions: 'It is quite plain all three of these young victims have suffered greatly at your hands and are continuing to do so.'

Godfree, of Abbotts Way, Eccles, admitted sexual activity with girls under 16 and sexual assault on a 19-year-old woman and appeared at Norwich Crown Court for sentence.

Judge Holt told Godfree: 'In my judgement you do pose a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public.'

He imposed an extended 17-year sentence, made up of a nine-year custodial sentence and extended supervision when released. Godfree was also placed on the sex offender's register for life.

Gerard Pounder, prosecuting, said Godfree had been aware that five of the victims had been under 16.

Philip Farr, for Godfree said he was immature for his age and was not a 'serial sex offender'.

'It was a course of conduct by a young and highly immature defendant with very limited social ability.'

He added: 'His interest is not in children but women/girls that are prepared to give him the time of day.'

He said Godfree had a number of difficulties growing up and said: 'He knows he has behaved inappropriately. It was a lack of understanding on his part.'

Mr Farr said Godfree had the sense to plead guilty and added there was no 'gross use' of violence.