A PAEDOPHILE turned himself into police after his conscience got the better of him.

Graham Matthews walked into Taunton Police Station days before Christmas and confessed to his attacks over a number of years on two girls aged under 13.

He asked to speak to detectives so he could admit his horrific crimes.

Matthews, 57, of Roman Road, Taunton, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after he today (Friday, January 15) pleaded guilty at Taunton Crown Court to 18 sex offences against the children.

He admitted rape, sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Matthews, who appeared via video link from Exeter Prison, where he is on remand, committed the offences between January 2012 and last October.

He stared downwards as he pleaded guilty to each individual charge.

Ian Dixey, prosecuting, said: "He (Matthews) walked into the police station on December 15 and indicated that he wanted to admit the offences.

"At that stage there had been no complaint from the children."

Mr Dixey, who said Matthews "clearly has a problem" with young girls, indicated that he had previously been handed a community order with a rehabilitation requirement for two historical sex offences against children.

Sam Jones, defending, said: "He's anxious that sentencing be dealt with as quickly as possible."

Adjourning the case for sentencing on February 18, Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC remanded Matthews in custody and placed him on the Sex Offenders' Register.

The judge also ordered a pre-sentence report.

He said: "You pleaded guilty to serious offences and will have full credit for those pleas of guilty."