A FORMER Catholic lay preacher has been jailed for 14 years for raping two children.

Maurice Praill, 78, who used to own a video shop in Chingford called Phoenix Entertainment, was jailed in Thailand for 14 years for the rape of two under-aged girls.

There was a history of child abuse complaints against him.

Praill, from Harold Hill, Essex, was led off to prison in the Thai provincial capital of Chonburi.

He had been arrested many times in Thailand for child sex offences since he since he sold his business in Chingford and retired to the resport of Pattaya.

He was sentenced to 14 years in 2001 for raping two girls, aged 13 and 14, who he said he had paid for sex.

But he was released on bail for eight years while petitioning against the Appeal Court. Now the sentence has been confirmed he will remain behind bars.

He is also awaiting trial for other sex offences against children.

Did you know Praill or his shop, Phoenix Entertainment in Chingford? Call the newsdesk on 8498 3430.