Keith Phillips, 64, inflicted ‘unimaginable abuse’ on five children (Picture: North Yorkshire Police)

A child rapist who spent decades abusing children has been jailed for 28 years.

A judge said 64-year-old Keith Phillips was ‘one of the most evil defendants’ he had ever encountered.

York Crown Court heard how the prolific paedophile inflicted ‘unimaginable abuse’ on five children over several decades.

They bravely came forward and now Phillips faces spending the rest of his life behind bars.

He denied five rape charges, nine indecent assault charges, sexual assault on a girl under 13 and sexual activity with a child.  Some of the charges covered multiple offences.

A jury found him guilty of all 68 offences on Friday.

Phillips, from Huntington, York, will also have an extended licence period to protect the public.

Detective constable Alyson Thompson said: ‘The judge described Phillips as one of the most evil offenders he’d ever dealt with, and I would echo that.

‘His lack of remorse after decades of unimaginable abuse shows the true extent of his wickedness.

‘It’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of Phillips’ offending and the irreparable damage he has done to his victims’ lives.

‘I have nothing but praise and respect for their immense courage coming forward – it’s helped us build a case that has put an atrocious individual behind bars, potentially for the rest of his life.

‘He will be 82-years-old before he is eligible for parole’

The officer went on to encourage anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward.

‘We are here to help, regardless of how long ago the offences happened,’ she said.

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A judge said the paedophile was ‘one of the most evil defendants’ he had ever encountered.