An Irvine man jailed for abusing seven children has died during his eight-year sentence.

The Scottish Prison Service confirmed the death of John Harrison, 73, who was being held in HMP Barlinnie.

The Times previously reported how 'calculated and predatatory' Harrison was convicted last June at the High Court in Glasgow of preying on seven girls and boys over four decades.

The prison service confirmed it has reported the death to the procurator fiscal and said a Fatal Accident Inquiry will take place in due course.

A spokesperson said: "John Harrison, 73, a prisoner from HMP Barlinnie has died.

"He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in June 2019.

"Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the procurator fiscal.

"A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course."

The pensioner was caught in 2017 and following his trial he was convicted of 10 charges, including lewd and libidinous conduct and the rape of a young girl.

The attacks occurred from the 1960s through to the 1990s at different locations in Greenock, involving victims as young as four.

At the time Judge Andrew Cubie told the pervert he was guilty of 'calculated and predatory sexual abuse'.

He added: “You express no acceptance for the offending.

“You maintain there was some kind of conspiracy or that they [the victims] were motivated by some form of financial claim.”

Harrison, who previously resided in Greenock, had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.