A former Plymouth builder has been jailed for eighteen years for sexually abusing thirteen children over a period of twenty years.

54 year old Robert Rohleder was convicted yesterday after more than a dozen witnesses gave evidence against him.

Of sixty sex assault charges, he was found guilty of 52.

Judge Francis Gilbert told Rohleder he was an evil man who kept the children quiet with violence or threats.

Devon and Cornwall police paid tribute to all the victims who gave evidence.

That report was filed by the Herald's Graham Broach and Carl Eve.