In the wake of his sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, (Wednesday) two of his victims bravely opened up and told of their relief that he would no longer be living in Linwood.

The Gazette reported how depraved grandad Parr had been living in close proximity to two primary schools even though he had been convicted of sex attacks on five youngsters over a 19-year period.

Parr, of Woodford Place, Linwood, was earlier convicted of attempting to rape one girl and indecency offences towards four others.

Yesterday he was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for a series of offences against young girls in Renfrewshire.

The 68-year-old was found guilty of molesting five different youngsters following a trial at the High Court in Paisley last month.

His sickening offences took place over a period of 19 years and one of his vulnerable victims was just five years old when he pounced.

One victim told The Gazette: “I’m glad that David Parr has finally been found guilty and hopefully will pay for his crimes.

“Regardless of the verdict or the sentencing I have to live every day of my life knowing what he has sone, so nothing has changed.

“I would strongly urge every other victim of a sexual crime to step forward and seek professional help, regardless of how much time has passed.

“My family and husband have been amazing. Unfortunately there was not sufficient evidence in 1992 to convict David Parr. So the outcome of the trial was a relief.

“I have felt fully supported at all times, both by the police and investigating officer dealing with this case. It was handled professionally and sensitively and finally 23 years on I feel I have some sense of justice. Despite what has happened I will not let this vile human being destroy my future.

“Every victim should know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the authorities will believe and support you.” Parr’s sick crimes against young girls came to light earlier this month when he was found guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Detective Constable Kenny Campbell, who was the officer in charge of the inquiry, said: “Following a protracted inquiry, which involved tracing and identifying other victims of Parr, this despicable abuser is finally being brought to account for his actions.

“I must pay tribute to the bravery of Parr’s victims, who provided essential information and evidence in order to assist our inquiry and ultimately bring him to justice.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind people that we will continue our efforts to trace perpetrators of this type of crime, and we remain focused on targeting these repeat and serial offenders across the country.

“I would urge anyone who may have been a victim of this type of abuse and not yet reported it to police, to come forward immediately.”