A judge has jailed a serial child abuser for six and a half years after telling him he wished he could have given him life.

Cleaner Brian Leckey had a string of child-sex offences dating back to 1978, but Judge Alistair McCallum was told he still couldn't pass a life sentence for his latest catalogue of abuse.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how 57-year-old Leckey gave cigarettes to boys who visited his flat in Brooklyn Road, Cleckheaton, and after showing some of them pornographic magazines and videos he then indecently abused them.

Over an 18-month period between February 2001 and September last year, Leckey committed repeated offences against eight boys aged between ten and 15.

Leckey, who has been living at a bail hostel in Leeds, pleaded guilty to ten charges of indecent assault and 16 of indecency with a child.

Prosecutor David Brooke said the activities came to light after two victims were overheard talking about 'Dirty Bri'.

Judge McCallum told Leckey: "I'm told that I can't pass a sentence of life imprisonment upon you - I would dearly like to do that."

He said Leckey would have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and ordered a three-year supervision period following his release.

Michael Collins, for Leckey, said his client had expressed shame at what he had done.