An 82-year-old Ipswich man with a “dangerous predilection” for young girls has been jailed for 13-and-a-half years.

Ipswich Star: Robert Constable, who was jailed for 13 yearsRobert Constable, who was jailed for 13 years (Image: Archant)

Robert Constable MBE, who was a warrant officer in the Royal Navy, sexually assaulted four schoolgirls over a period of more than 20 years, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Constable, of Hatfield Road, admitted 15 offences of indecent assault, three offences of indecency with a child and five offences of sexual assault. The offences took place between 1993 and October last year.

Jailing Constable, Judge Rupert Overbury said: “Your actions have not only ruined your life but also more importantly the lives of your victims.

“You have a dangerous predilection for young girls and you groomed your victims for your own sexual gratification.”

Richard Kelly, prosecuting told the court that Constable had sexually assaulted the schoolgirls by kissing the girls on the mouth, touching their breasts and genital area under their clothing and getting them to touch his genital area.

He had also groomed the girls by paying them compliments and telling them they were special.

Neil Saunders for Constable said his client spent 25 years in the RAF as a chef and was a warrant officer.

He had been awarded an MBE and after leaving the RAF he had worked for the Co-op’s milk department.

“He had a wonderful life and he has ruined it all. He bitterly regrets what he has done,” said Mr Saunders.