AN Ardrossan pensioner was last week jailed for seven years for raping an 11-year-old girl and attempting to rape a 10-year-old girl 35 years ago.

Archibald Shaw, 81, who committed the horrific sexual abuse in Kilmarnock and Newton Stewart may die in prison.

Yesterday, the High Court in Glasgow heard that he refuses to accept his guilt

Judge Bill Dunlop QC told Shaw: “It is of some concern that you continue to deny your responsibility for these offences. The evidence was overwhelming. You carried out an appalling catalogue of perverted, predatory behaviour towards two children.

“You stole their childhood and affected the quality of their adult lives.

“I can never understand why while you are violating children you don’t think these people will become adults and one day will bring you to account.”

Judge Dunlop said that, but for Shaw’s age, he would have imposed a longer sentence. Shaw was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

His seven-year sentence will begin after he finishes a 21-month sentence for stalking a 15-year-old girl.

Solicitor advocate John Keenan, defending, said: “Mr Shaw continues to deny any responsibility for the offences.

“He has various health issues including a heart condition. He does not expect to ever be released from custody. His sentence may be for a longer period than he can live for.”

The court heard that Shaw was in the Army for 12 years after joining aged 17, and served in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Germany.

Shaw’s victims who are now in their 40’s went to the police after hearing on the radio that he had been convicted of stalking the schoolgirl.

Advocate depute Paul Brown, prosecuting, said: “The accused has previous convictions for sexual offences against children.”

Shaw, of Barrie Terrace, was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of eight charges of sexual abuse, including rape. The offences were committed between 1982 and 1990

Much of the indecency took place in a caravan. Shaw would ply his young victims with alcohol and make them watch pornographic videos before abusing them.

He raped his 11-year-old victim again on various occasions when she was aged between 16 and 19.

Sick Shaw claimed that he had had consensual sex with the girl once she turned 16, but the jury did not believe him.

During a video taped police interview Shaw was asked if he had raped the 11-year-old girl and he replied: “No.”

He was then asked if he was sexually attracted to her and replied: “No.”

Shaw also denied to police that he had tried to rape his 10-year-old victim on various occasions.

He was then asked by a police officer: “Do you remember committing any sex acts on them?” and he replied: “No.”

In evidence his victims said he ruined their childhoods.

One of them said: “He said if we ever told what had happened to us we would be taken away from our families.”

A spokesman for NSPCC Scotland said: “Shaw’s catalogue of heinous and predatory crimes ruined the childhoods of his victims. The effects of abuse on children can last into adulthood and he has largely been at liberty while his victims have had to deal with the legacy of his attacks.

“Shaw’s victims must be praised for their brave actions in coming forward, resulting in his latest conviction and imprisonment.

“This sentence sends out the strong message once again that child abuse will not be tolerated, no matter when the offences took place and we hope this case will encourage others to speak out about abuse they have suffered, knowing they will be listened to and supported.”

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.