A PAEDOPHILE has been sentenced to 18 years and ten months in prison for the abuse of children.

Geoffrey Talbot Morris, 77, of HMP Albany, appeared via video link before the Isle of Wight Crown on January 11, and pleaded guilty to 28 charges concerning the sexual and indecent assault of children.

The historic abuse happened on the Isle of Wight and on the mainland and involved children of both sexes.

The court heard a summary of the lengthy charges against Morris including details of how he engaged in sex acts with girls aged eight or nine years old.

Details of Morris forcing a boy of a similar age to perform sex acts on him or in front of him were also heard in court.

Recorder Anna Midgley ordered the forfeiture and destruction of devices, including a laptop and digital cameras.

Morris was sentenced to 18 years and ten months in prison at HMP Albany with an extended licence period of one year.