A GROUP of Bishopsteignton residents has reacted furiously to suggestions that some villagers supported a convicted paedophile.

Former Teignmouth harbour pilot James Whittaker, 71, who lived in the village for many years, was sent to prison for eight years last week after admitting four offences of sexually abusing four children in a 38-year period.

He was a Rotarian, scout leader, heavily involved in local events, and appeared to be a pillar of the community.

Parish council vice-chairman Cllr Jim Grimble last week told this newspaper he was 'still greatly respected by a lot of people,' and he had not heard anybody 'say a bad word about him.'

Long-serving Cllr Grimble added that Whittaker had helped the village in many ways, and given up a piece of land for a footpath.

But as soon as the article appeared, dozens of angry villagers contacted this newspaper adamant that they did not share the sentiments.

Some have even called for the resignation of Cllr Grimble, because his views were so diametrically opposed to the majority of residents.

But this week Cllr Grimble claimed he had been quoted out of context and therefore his comments needed clarification.

Fencer Victor Simmons declared: 'I am sickened by what Whittaker has done, and very unhappy with the comments of Cllr Grimble.

'Whittaker was a paedophile, and for Cllr Grimble to try and defend him in any way is despicable. Cllr Grimble should consider his position, because he is obviously so out of touch with the views of the majority of us.'

Garage owner Graham Nicholson said: 'Whittaker is an evil man who ingratiated himself into the community. He even groomed adults into trusting him and no sentence can ever be long enough for what he did to those children.

'It happened over a long period, and who knows what else he might have been up to in that time that has not come to light?

'We are easy-going people in Bishopsteignton, but this case has shocked the village. There is no excuse for Whittaker whatsoever – he conned us and robbed those children of their youth.'

Gwenda Moores, a resident for 35 years, said she hoped Whittaker would never return to the village. 'If he does he will be ostracised. He would be very foolish to come back.'

Mr Nicholson added: 'I know a lot of people in this village through my business and I can categorically state that we do not like people who abuse children.

'He was quite brazen, even when he first appeared in court last year, and even had the nerve to call at my garage to fill up with fuel on the day he was due in court – I told him in no uncertain terms I would not serve him and did not want to see him again.'

Cllr Grimble issued the following statement: 'I understand that some criticism has been raised concerning last week's comments attributed to me in the Teignmouth Post, with regard to Jim Whittaker.

'It is clear these quotes have been taken out of context and, in the circumstances, warrant some clarification. It should be borne in mind that Jim Whittaker had been resident for some 30 years and, throughout, actively involved with community life.

'He was known and accepted for the considerable voluntary contribution he made to village life, be it through the scouting movement or by donating land to provide a safe footpath adjacent to the A381. In this context, he was well liked and respected.

'Nothing untoward was apparent until just before Christmas when the first media reports were made concerning criminal offences.

'As details began to emerge, it was a great shock to those who knew him, and difficult to comprehend, in the context of his historic involvement with the village, where nobody had had a bad word to say against him.

'Hindsight is a wonderful thing. If only we knew then what we know now. These activities cannot be condoned, nor would anybody try to defend them.

'Even so, the good will still be remembered alongside the bad.'