Sex offender jailed for nine years

A Victorian man who sexually abused 12 children has been sentenced to nine years and four months in jail.

John Beyer, 66, abused children including wards of the state from boys' homes where he volunteered, and children living in his local area.

His youngest victim was four or five-years-old, and the oldest 13.

Beyer pleaded guilty to 31 counts of sexual assault.

The court heard the offending stretched over 12 years, between 1973 and 1985.

In sentencing, Judge Duncan Allen said his offending was ruthless and horrifically predatory.

Outside court one of Beyer's victims said the sentence gave him closure.

"It's going to help me move on for sure," the victim said.

Beyer will serve a non-parole period of six years.