A sex predator who left three young victims carrying the consequences of his abuse into adulthood has been jailed for nine years and three months.

Colin Butcher, 61, of Dunkeswell, Devon, initially denied his crimes before admitting eight indecent assaults against children under 14 during his trial.

His victims described childhoods damaged by fear and shame, with lasting harm to their relationships, wellbeing and sense of safety.

The abuse took place at the victims’ family home in Somerset and at Butcher’s home in Dunkeswell, near Honiton. The court heard that his offending included sexual touching and penetrative abuse.

One victim said she had believed she was the only person he targeted and had expected to take the secret to her grave. Discovering that others had suffered abuse by the same man left her feeling physically sick.

Another told the court: “For too long, I buried this secret, a secret which should have never been mine to carry.”

She described losing parts of her childhood she could never recover. Now a mother, she said she wanted her own children to know they were safe and would always be heard and believed.

A third victim said Butcher’s abuse had affected her throughout her life, damaging her wellbeing, relationships and sense of security.

Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation after the victims came forward as adults. Butcher was arrested in July 2023 and convicted on August 17 after changing his pleas at trial.

At Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, on Thursday, October 8, Judge Shepherd sentenced him to nine years and three months in prison.

Butcher must serve at least six years and six months before the Parole Board can consider his release. Release at that point is not guaranteed.

If released, he will remain on licence for the rest of his sentence, followed by an additional one-year extended licence period.

The judge also imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Butcher will be subject to sex offender notification requirements for life.

Judge Shepherd told him: “You have had a devastating impact on their lives and that will sit with you forever.”

Police have released a photograph of Butcher taken around the time of his offending and urged anyone else affected by his behaviour to come forward.