A LARGS man has been caged for a series of historic sex crimes - including the rape of a child.

George McDevitt carried out the catalogue of heinous offences between 2004 and 2010 in a number of local locations - including public parks.

The 62-year-old was this week caged for nine years after being found guilty of a string of offences during an appearance in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

One of his vulnerable female victims was just 12 at the time of the offences.

She and another victim, who was in her 30s when McDevitt struck, courageously spoken up and reported the matters to the police - giving them the evidence to bring the predator to trial.

As well as being jailed, the 62-year-old of Nelson Street was also given a 10-year-non harassment order on his release.

McDevitt was found to have, on various occasions between March 1999 and March 2010 at Munro Road in Milton, and at Kelvin Street in Largs, to have assaulted a woman by punching, kicking and pushing her.

The thug then seized her by the hair and dragged her along the ground, before spitting on her and biting her. He then brandished a sword and knife at his victim, uttered threats and headbutted her.

The court also heard how in the six years between 2004 and 2010, McDevitt, assaulted the same woman and compelled her to take controlled drugs and drink alcohol, and while she intoxicated or asleep, and incapable of giving consent, raped her.

He was also convicted of, between 2006 and 2008 at Douglas Park, Aubery Park and Anderson Park, using lewd and libidinous practices towards a girl under 16 and indecently and sexually assaulting her.

And on dates between 2008 and 2010, at locations in the same three parks, McDevitt was found to have carried out a litany of offences against the same youngster - including rape. The exact details of his crimes are too horrific to print.

Police Scotland today paid tribute to the resolve of the victims in speaking up and helping to put McDevitt behind bars.

Detective Inspector Gavin Chisholm, of the force's rape and domestic abuse unit, said: "We welcome the sentencing and the placement of the non-harassment order.

“I would like to commend both of thhis e victims for the strength and courage they have displayed throughout this whole process.

"Domestic crime, in all its forms, remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities. I hope that this sentencing will give confidence to anyone who is experiencing, or who has experienced, abuse to come forward knowing that we will listen and we will investigate."