Paedophile gets life sentence

MAN, 53, CARRIED OUT A 'CAMPAIGN OF SEX ABUSE'

- By PAUL GREAVES

Timothy Bates, 53, denied the charges, relating to a child under 13

AN “evil” paedophile has been given a life sentence for despicable crimes.

Timothy Bates, aged 53, must serve a minimum of 20 years for offences carried out against a child in South Devon.

He appeared at Exeter Crown Court to be sentenced for what the court called a campaign of sexual abuse more than a decade ago.

The judge paid tribute to the strength and courage of the victim in the case, describing her “the most impressive witness he had ever seen”.

The defendant, of Liskerrett Road, Liskeard, was convicted at a trial in July of four charges of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.