A FORMER Alton man has been jailed after drugging and raping three children.

Darren Mackrell, 45, of Wilton Avenue, Southampton, was given an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection at Winchester Crown Court on Friday after he pleaded guilty to 18 sexual offences.

These include the rape and sexual assault of three children, aged between 10 and eight, causing them to engage in sexual activity, forcing them to watch hardcore pornography and also forcing them to take illegal drugs.

The incident, carried out on April 21, lasted six hours and was described by Judge Gary Burrell QC as "sustained" and "planned".

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.