TWO brothers responsible for the sexual abuse and exploitation of two girls from a Hillingdon care home were found guilty today (Thursday).

Jason Winskill, 25, of Hatton Grove, West Drayton, and Jamie Chapman, 20 of Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge, were convicted at Southwark Crown Court of offences which included rape, sexual activity with a child and witness intimidation.

Winskill was also charged with offences against a third victim after he attempted to rape and sexually assault her at a party in Hillingdon in 2005, when she was 14.

Det Chief Insp Chris Smart, of the Met's sexual exploitation team, said: "They specifically targeted two of the victims knowing they had a vulnerability which they could use to their advantage.

“They believed that, through fear and intimidation, they could prevent them from reporting the offences.

"I would like to commend the victims for their bravery in standing up against their abusers, who shamelessly refused to admit their guilt, forcing the victims to relive their ordeal in a public arena.

“I hope today has given them some closure and that their strength of character and courage will encourage other victims to come forward.

"I would also like to thank Hillingdon Council for bringing this issue to our attention and supporting the investigation throughout.”

In October 2013, an investigation was launched after the council became concerned for the welfare of girls under their care.

A number were spoken to by trained officers and two subsequently divulged details of abuse by the two defendants between May and December 2012.

Both victims were 15 when the abuse took place.

Winskill befriended them after meeting them separately in the West Drayton area.

Telling them they were 'special', he would convince them he was in an exclusive relationship with them. It was in this manner that he groomed them, using alcohol as an enabler for committing the abuse.

Chapman was also responsible for the sexual assault on one of the victims.

Later, on discovering the police investigation, he left a voicemail message for one of the victims, threatening her with torture and violence.

The brothers will be sentenced on November 3.