AN 86-year-old child abuser has been jailed for almost ten years after his victim told a court how he had ruined her life.

Charles Spear abused the girl from the age of six in the 1970s and left her with lifelong psychological traumas which still include nightmares and flashbacks.

He has been told he is likely to die in prison after a judge at Exeter Crown Court told him he had ‘infected and warped’ the girl’s entire life.

Former soldier Spear was living in Teignmouth and Dawlish when he carried out the sexual assaults which progressed from touching the girl when she was six to having full sex with her when she was nine.

He terrified the victim into staying silent for four decades and she did find the courage to go to the police until 2019. The retired painter and decorator admitted what he had done but told detectives that the girl had ‘led him on’.

Spear, of Lealands, Bovey Tracey, admitted four counts of indecent assault or indecency and two of sexual intercourse with a child and was jailed for nine years, four months with a one year extended licence by Judge David Evans.

He told him: ‘Having heard the victim’s personal statement it is quite clear that your abuse has caused her severe psychological harm. She has experienced adversity over the years in many different forms.

‘What you did has greatly infected and warped every aspect of her life.

‘The probation report suggests you continue to hold perverted views about young children and their sexual responsibilities.’

Mr Nigel Wraith, prosecuting, said the abuse happened in the 1970s and early 1980s when the girl was aged six to 15 but only came to light when she went to the police in 2019.

The victim read out her personal statement from the witness box and told how the abuse made her feel dirty as a child and has affected her schooling, relationships and ability to work.

She asked Spear: ‘How could you defile a child. I was a happy little girl before you abused me.

‘The old photos show me with a beaming smile.

‘That was before the fear, before I thought I was nasty and smelly.’

Mr William Parkhill, defending, said Spear has regretted his behaviour ever since and made full admissions when interviewed by the police. He knows he deserves to be punished.

He said Spear has no other convictions and has lived a blameless life before and since committing these offences.

He is now unwell, housebound, and relies on taxis to deliver his shopping.

He said: ‘He knows this is likely to be a sentence which means he will not see liberty again.’

If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available.

National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626

Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212

Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174

In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit www.dc.police.uk/contact