A paedophile who claimed he had “boundaries” has been warned that he faces a life sentence after being convicted of what a judge described as one of the “most chilling” cases he’d dealt with in 21 years.

David Holland, aged 51, of Prestatyn, was found guilty of rape and other sex charges at Mold crown court. He’d held a knife to the throat of a victim, the prosecution alleged.

Judge Niclas Parry told him: "You have been convicted upon the most compelling evidence of the gravest of crimes, amongst the most chilling and serious cases that I have had to deal with in 21 years. You are clearly an extremely dangerous man and before you can be sentenced the court will require a detailed assessment of the level of dangerousness.

“At this stage, subject to everything I should read and hear, a life sentence of imprisonment is at the forefront of my mind.”

The judge told the jury :”I am truly sorry that you have had to deal with such a dreadful matter viewing such appalling material. I excuse you from further jury service for a period of five years. If you require any assistance in moving forward and dealing with the emotional toll of your service you should not hesitate to ask.

“But perhaps the best example we could follow is to take a lead from the remarkable first victim. If she has been able to overcome the dreadful trauma, if she has been able to rebuild her life as mercifully appears to be the case, then let that be an example to each one of us.”