A sex attacker who abused a string of children over four decades has been jailed for eight years.

John Harrison preyed on a total of seven girls and boys, who were as young as four at the time.

The 73-year-old was finally snared in 2017 – but denied the crimes during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was convicted of 10 charges including lewd and libidinous conduct and the rape of a young girl.

The attacks occurred from the 1960s through to the 1990s at a different locations in Greenock, Inverclyde.

Judge Andrew Cubie today told the pervert he was guilty of “calculated and predatory sexual abuse”.

He added: “You express no acceptance for the offending. You maintain there was some kind of conspiracy or that they were motivated by some form of financial claim.”

The judge noted one victim had tried speaking to her own mum about her ordeal – but that this had sadly been “rejected” at the time.

Harrison, of Irvine, North Ayrshire, was placed on the sex offenders list indefinitely.

The hearing was earlier adjourned at one stage after the OAP appeared to break down sobbing in the dock.

But, as he was later lead handcuffed to the cells, Harrison ranted at Judge Cubie protesting his innocence.

Prior to Harrison being jailed, his QC Gary Allan told the court: “He retains the loyalty and support of his wife, who has been with him every step of the way.

“He has that glimmer of light in an otherwise bleak situation.”