STV NewsA former marine who sexually abused two children in the 1970s has been jailed for four years.
Harry Knapp preyed on the girls, aged 11 and 14, at addresses in Dundee and Arbroath between 1974 and 1978.
A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh told the 66-year-old sex offender: “The effect on these girls’ lives is incalculable.”
Lord Burns also said he regarded a custodial sentence as the appropriate disposal.
He told the first offender: “I have regard to your good work record and the age you were when you committed these offences and the fact you are not said to be a risk of re-offending.”
Knapp will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely following the sentencing.
He was earlier convicted of four indecency offences against the girls.
He touched, molested and tried to kiss one victim who was aged 14 and abused a second child, who he also threatened, from the age of 11.
Defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin told the court that Knapp had a good work history and previously served in the marines.
He said: “He is assessed as a low risk of re-offending.”
He added that Knapp has a supportive family.
Mr Gilmartin said: “He has no prior experience of custody. He is struggling in a custodial sentence.”
Knapp, formerly of Caledonian Crescent, Annan, in Dumfriesshire, was remanded in prison at the end of May.
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