A gravedigger has been jailed for 11 years for raping and sexually assualting young girls in a churchyard.

William "Bill" Lambert, 74, preyed on four vulnerable girls, aged 11 to 15, after he lured them to an informal youth club he ran at St Dunstan's Church, Cheam, more than 20 years ago.

He tricked them into having sex with him in sick occult ceremonies by claiming he was a warlock who could pass on his magic powers through intercourse.

At Croydon Crown Court today Judge Stow sentenced Lambert for a total of 11 years.

The child rapist remained defiant as his horrific crimes were read out to the court, shaking his head as Judge Stow described his "harrowing crimes" and "elaborate grooming."

One of his victims was in court to see her attacker finally caged.

Lambert, of Malden Road, Cheam, was was convicted last month of one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault and two counts of procuring girls to have sexual intercourse by deception.

He will serve six years for rape and five years for the other crimes.