A CHILD abuser from Newton Abbot has been jailed for 13 years after being found guilty in his absence.

Maurice Button walked out of Exeter Crown Court last Wednesday.

Police issued an appeal for information after he changed his clothing and took a bus to Sidmouth during the lunchtime adjournment.

He gave himself up to police at the weekend but did not return to court until after the jury had found him guilty of historic abuse offences against two girls.

Button, aged 69, of Dandelion Place, Newton Abbot, denied but was found guilty of one count of indecency with the eight-year-old and four counts of indecent assault and two of unlawful sexual intercourse with the 12-year-old.

He was jailed for 13 years and six weeks with a one year extended licence by Judge David Evans, who told him that his offences would now be classified as child rape.

He told him: ‘The truth is that you are a paedophile with an enduring sexual interest in young girls.’

Miss Virginia Cornwall, defending, said Button had remained out of trouble for many years and lived a useful life since meeting his current wife.