The former lorry driver abused three children back in the 1970s and 1980s. He had been warned to expect a significant sentence for 17 offences of indecent assault, 11 of indecency with a child and two attempted serious sexual assaults. 

Ralph Clarke was convicted of 21 offences of indecency with a child and indecent assault committed against two young girls.

One of the victims of the abuse was as young as four years of age. Clarke is believed to be the oldest person convicted by a jury in Britain.

During the trail in a Birmingham court, he admitted to nine charges relating to a young boy after describing the offences as "something that happened" in his past.

After the conviction he showed no emotion as Judge Richard Bond told him it would be "amazing" if he lived long enough to be released. 

When sentencing Clarke, Mr Bond said his offending had been "repeated and sustained" over many years.
Children had been "powerless" to defend themselves, the judge added, and some were given "bribes" of money to buy sweets of him.

The Judge said despite the man’s "age and infirmity" the abuse was "so severe" only a lengthy jail term could be imposed.