Karl Clay - Coventry sex offender who doused victims in petrol - sentenced to life in prison

The 39-year-old had already been found guilty of 13 charges spanning 20 years

Karl Clay has been sentenced to life in prison (West Midlands Police)

A violent offender who doused his victims in petrol has been sentenced to life in prison for a string of violent and sexual assaults.

Police said Karl Clay may have further victims, who they don't know about.

In July, 39-year-old from Coventry, was found guilty of 13 charges spanning almost 20 years - including two counts of raping a child under 13.

He will serve a minimum of 15 years.

He was also found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of actual bodily harm, attempted rape, indecency with a child, indecent assault and putting a person in fear of violence.

His other convictions were for threats to kill, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

Det Insp Christopher Hanson, of West Midlands Police, had previously described how Clay poured petrol over three of his victims, including two children, and threatened to set them alight by repeatedly flicking a lighter next to them.

Clay tried to smother one woman with a pillow and held another's head under water.

Hanson went on: "Karl Clay is easily the vilest offender I have ever dealt with in the 21 years that I have been a police officer and his victims have been terribly brave in giving the evidence that was crucial in convicting him.

"Whilst our inquiry uncovered 10 of Clay's victims, I would be surprised if there aren't others out there.

"I would urge anyone else who has suffered because of him to contact the police."

"Clay stopped at nothing and Coventry is a safer place with him off the streets."