Pic: Clarke is believed to be the oldest person ever convicted by a jury in Britain
committing a spate of sex offences against young children in the 1970s and 1980s.
Retired lorry driver Ralph Clarke had been warned to expect a significant custodial sentence after being found guilty of 21 counts of abusing two girls.
He also admitted nine charges which related to a young boy mid-way through his trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Clarke, believed to be the oldest person ever convicted by a jury in Britain, shook his head and said "no, no, no" as the judge delivered his sentence.
Passing sentencing today, Judge Richard Bond QC told him: "You present as a fragile old man; however, what was plain to see was that, despite your guilty pleas, you have no remorse whatsoever."
Mr Bond said his offending against three vulnerable youngsters, one as young as four, had been "repeated and sustained" over many years.
He said the children had been "powerless" to stop the former RAF serviceman, who would threaten and beat those who defied his word.
Mr Bond told him: "One of your victims remembers you as a nasty man, free with your fists, and he would get belted by you."
Clarke would also try to "bribe" his other young victims after abusing them, with sweet money of "10p or 20p".
Praising the victims for coming forward and giving evidence, he contrasted the emotional and psychological damage the offences had done to them with Clarke, who, he said, had been "able to lead your life without being punished for your dreadful acts".
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