A pensioner who carried out 13 serious sexual offences against four children, some dating back almost four decades, was jailed for eight years, writes our Crown Court correspondent.

James Whittaker, of Stone Lodge, Bishopsteignton, told police he knew his crimes were wrong and had carried them out for sexual gratification.

The 71-year-old former Teignmouth river pilot admitted his guilt to the police when he was interviewed.

Exeter Crown Court heard some of the offences dated back almost 40 years and the latest was in 2008.

Whittaker, a married man with no previous convictions, had worked as a navigational officer in the international shipping world.