An 86-year-old man from Bovey Tracey has been told to expect a jail sentence after pleading guilty to the historic abuse of a young girl in the 1970s and 1980s.

Charles Spear, of Lealands, Bovey Tracey, admitted a total of six offence, all committed against the same girl when she was aged aged seven to 15. He pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault of gross indecency and two of unlawful sexual intercourse when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court.

Two more serious charges of rape were not proceeded with after he entered his pleas.

Judge David Evans ordered a probation pre-sentence report but told Spear he must expect a prison sentence when he returns on July 29

The judge was told that the victim’s personal statement will be read at the sentencing hearing.