A 61-YEAR-OLD sex offender from Newton Abbot has been jailed for 20 years for the sexual abuse of children.

Rodney Knowles (pictured), a former HGV driver and Centrax worker, was told by the judge at Exeter Crown Court yesterday that he must spend at least 10 years in prison before he could be considered for parole.

Knowles hit the national headlines last year for a court case surrounding a Swiss Army-style knife.

He was given a conditional discharge after being charged with possessing an offensive weapon in February last year.

The disabled caravanner said he used the knife to cut up fruit on picnics with his wife.

The case caused a national storm with some saying police had overreacted and been heavy-handed.

But police later defended their actions and Supt Jim Meakin took the unusual step of speaking out on the case to reveal the court had not heard the full details of the incident and Knowles had allegedly made a threat to use the knife to harm someone.

The grey-haired defendant, who walks with the aid of sticks, appeared unmoved when the sentence was passed.

It follows a week-long trial at the end of which Knowles, of Buckland Brake, was convicted by jury of offences against girls, some dating back more than 30 years.

The most serious were eight counts of rape, but he was also found guilty of 15 counts of indecency with a child and seven indecent assaults.

Judge Paul Darlow adjourned sentencing on Thursday for 24 hours but warned Knowles he faced a substantial term in jail.

Before sentence Andrew Oldland, representing Knowles, said his client had no relevant previous convictions.

He said he had been assessed by doctors before trial and had been deemed psychologically fit to stand in the dock.

"There is very little that can be said about him," said Mr Oldland.

"With regard to the offences all I'll say on his behalf is that they occurred many, many years ago.

"He has no convictions for violence or sexual offences, and his health is the major factor I advance in mitigation."

He said Knowles had had surgery on his stomach and the prison regime would make it difficult for him to adapt his dietary needs.

The trial had heard how the victims had been left traumatised by the offences and had waited many years before finding the courage to speak to police.

Knowles denied all the charges against him describing them as 'dramatic' and lies.

One of the victims was just six when Knowles indecently assaulted her.

The jury took less than three hours to find him guilty.

Sentencing Judge Paul Darlow said: "You chose to contest the charges but were convicted by jury on each and every count you faced."

He said Knowles had 'groomed' the victims before committing the crimes and had frightened them by making threats to harm them or others.

Knowles was given 18 years for the rape offences; two years for the indecent assaults and 12 months concurrent for the remaining offences

Afterwards DC Chris Amie of Newton Abbot child protection team said: "We are very pleased with the sentence but more than anything I am pleased for the victims who lived with his crimes for many years and feared they might never be able to get justice."