A RAPIST child murderer who "exudes evil" has been linked to five more murders.

John Taylor, 62, has been serving a life sentence in Wakefield Prison since 2000, for the abduction and murder of Leanne Tiernan, 16.

But yesterday it was revealed that he may have committed "vile, sadistic attacks" on five women and children between 1977 and 1996.

The court heard how one victim was seven years old when she was grabbed by Taylor in 1984.

He allegedly carried her to a church yard and tied to a drain pipe before he repeatedly sexually assaulted her and later taunted the girl outside her home.

In a statement read out to Leeds Crown Court, one of his alleged victims said: "He is devoid of compassion, exudes evil and respects no-one or nothing but his sick gratification."

Another incident was reportedly witnessed by his pregnant victim's three small children.

Detectives apparently linked Taylor to the murders in West Yorkshire, following a cold case review called Operation Quayside.

He may even be linked to the murders of Lindsay Rimer, 13, in 1994, Anne Ballantyne, 20, in 1986, Yvonne Fitt, 33, in 1992, Deborah Wood, 20, in 1995 and Rebecca Hall, 19, in 2001, The Mirror reported.

Yvonne Fitt was found dead in a shallow grave, just 100 yards from where Leanne's body was dumped.

Lindsay Rimer, who disappeared after leaving home in Hebden Bridge, was found five months later in a canal.

Judge Robin Mairs told the court: "The trauma, fear and nightmares that would have engendered in that child are beyond comprehension."

He added: "There's a chilling echo to be found in what happened to (that girl) and what happened to Leanne Tiernan."

Taylor was jailed for life in 2002 with a minimum tariff of 25 years but this was later reduced to 20 years.

A year later, he was convicted of two further masked knifepoint rapes dating back to 1988 and 1989 and his minimum term was increased to 30 years.

Speaking outside the court, Detective Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, of West Yorkshire Police, described Taylor as a "monster".

When asked whether there might be further victims of the murderer, he added: "John Taylor, as we have seen today, would be described as a monster. He has committed horrendous acts.

"I will continue to review all the undetected cases that we have, and John Taylor may feature in there, but I have to say that I have to look at it objectively and look at other offenders who may be within that case lodge."