VILLAGERS have defended an elderly 'pillar of the community' who was jailed for eight years for sexually abusing children, writes John Ware.

Jim Whittaker, 71, was a well liked and respected figure in Bishopsteignton.

A Rotarian and scout leader, he immersed himself in the community and had many friends.

But he had a dark secret that was revealed only when he was charged with assaulting four youngsters over a period of nearly 40 years, the last offence in 2008.

The retired Teignmouth harbour pilot and merchant navy navigating officer had pleaded guilty to 13 offences of serious sexual assault and at Exeter Crown Court on Monday was sentenced by Judge Paul Darlow.

When he first appeared in court last year, there was shock in Bishopsteignton and Teignmouth.

Many villagers and people he worked with around Teignmouth harbour could not accept that the apparently upstanding figure could have committed such crimes.

Cllr Jim Grimble, vice-chairman of the parish council, said that even after the court hearing, he was 'still greatly respected by a lot of people'.

He said:?'I know what he did was wrong, but this case has taken the community by surprise.

'He helped the village any way he could, and even gave up a piece of land for a footpath along the main road. I have yet to hear anybody say a bad word against him.

'It seems completely out of character. He was also involved with scouting, and as far as we know nothing untoward happened, and many of the scouts who are now grown up are grateful to his help and advice over the years.'

Another villager, who did not want to be named, described Whittaker as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character.

'I grant you he was probably the last person you would consider guilty of sexually abusing children, but it just shows that this sort of thing happens in all sectors or society, and is usually hidden and never comes to light.

'A lot of residents here are still in denial about what a devious and unpleasant character he could be behind the scenes. It was hidden behind a cloak of respectability.

'I think he will have a rough time in prison at his age.'

The court heard that Whittaker admitted his guilt to police in interview.

He knew the offences were wrong, but committed them for sexual gratification, said prosecutor Michael Brabin.

Mitigating, Lee Brembridge said he came to Teignmouth from Yorkshire about 20 years ago, and had a previous good character.

He clearly deserved a prison sentence but the impact on him would be far greater than a younger man.

A pre-sentence report said the likelihood of him re-offending was low, partly due to his age.