Paul Boardman jailed for sexually abusing boys
A man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after being convicted of a catalogue of historical sexual offences against boys aged 10 to 16 years.
Paul Boardman, 55, formerly of Bray Street, Ashton, Preston, was found guilty of 42 counts at Manchester Crown Court.
The offences against seven boys included rape, attempted rape, indecency and indecent assault.
Boardman also admitted perverting the course of justice.
The majority of offences took place between 1990 and 2001, with the most recent in March 2013.
Lancashire Police's Det Ch Insp Sue Cawley said Boardman was a "dangerous and prolific offender".
"[He] has repeatedly targeted young boys and subjected them to horrendous abuse, showing no regard for their age or vulnerabilities.
"His crimes have left his victims scarred for life in terms of both the emotional and psychological effects.
"I would like to pay tribute to them for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence."
Ryan Shenton, 24, of Hoghton Lane, Hoghton, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice in relation to Boardman's offences.
Marie Blythe, 31, and Natasha Hart, 21, of Tennyson Mill Court, Preston, admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the case at an earlier hearing.
They will be sentenced in January.