A CARDIGAN man has been ordered by a judge not to contact the girls he abused - despite being in jail and serving a 20 year sentence.

Martin Leake, aged 53, was back at Swansea crown court just days after being sentenced for rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child.

Leake, of Cilgarthen, Moylegrove, denied the offences but was convicted after a trial.

Judge Keith Thomas told Leake he would be on licence and liable to be recalled to jail until 2041 irrespective of when he was released from prison.

The prosecution then applied for an order under the Prevention of Harassment Act preventing Leake from contacting his two victims.

Leake's barrister, Dyfed Thomas, argued the order was unnecessary as Leake would be spending many years behind bars.

Judge Thomas said his victims suffered "an enduring fear" of Leake and were entitled to peace of mind.

"They do not want to have any contact with him and he has no right to try to contact them. It follows that the issuing of an order will not interfere with his rights," he said.

The effect of the order, said Judge Thomas, was that action could be taken against Leake immediately a complaint was made.

The order was made in relation to each victim and will last indefinitely.