POLICE fear a predatory paedophile may have targeted young children using promises of music lessons during the four years he lived in West Somerset. Paul Francis, 62, was sentenced to four years in prison by Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday for a string of offences against children. He had earlier pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual assault on a child under 13 and one each of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act, causing or inciting a child in prostitution or pornography, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Francis, who now lives in Yeovil, lived in Williton between 2008 and 2012. Taunton Crown Court was told Francis had a record of serious sexual offences against under-age victims dating back to 1973. He targeted both girls and boys and had previously been jailed for nine years for rape. When police searched his home in relation to offences committed in March this year, they found home-made posters advertising music lessons. The posters were believed to date back to the time he was living in West Somerset. Detective constable Andrew Tearle, from Taunton CID, said: "Paul Francis acted in a predatory manner to target young girls with promises of music lessons and being in a band. "In reality, he exploited their innocent dreams to build relationships with them and abuse them. "I hope that in receiving a lengthy custodial sentence he recognises the seriousness of his actions." His latest crimes came to light when one of the victims spoke to a police community support officer who was visiting her school. Francis had an encounter with a girl, nine, and gave her a letter advertising singing lessons. She was encouraged to go to his home where he forced her to engage in inappropriate behaviour. Francis also exchanged letters with the victim's friend, a girl aged ten, who was left worried by the contents of the letters. She spoke to a PCSO who was visiting her school and told her about the letters and her friend's experience and an investigation was launched. A search of Francis' home uncovered indecent images of children. Mr Tearle said: "Francis targeted his victims with hand-drawn posters advertising singing lessons in Yeovil and when we searched his house we found posters dating back to time spent living in West Somerset. "My fear is that he may have committed offences in that area and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about the individual to get in touch and discuss them with us." Francis will be released on an extended six year licence after he has served his jail term and will be on the sex offenders' register for life. He is also banned from having any contact with a child under the age of 16 for the rest of his life. In his defence, solicitor Rebecca Bradberry told the court Francis had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had committed the offences when he was emotionally at a very low ebb. He knew prison was inevitable but wanted help to prevent him from re-offending again. Anyone in the West Somerset area who would like to talk to the police about Francis should contact Mr Tearle on 101.