A FORMER Honiton man, who fell in love at the age of 18, has told the Herald how he has always regretted splitting with his young girlfriend more than 30 years ago.

A FORMER Honiton man, who fell in love at the age of 18, has told the Herald how he has always regretted splitting with his young girlfriend more than 30 years ago.

Vin Heffernan, of Perth, Australia, says he was compelled to end the relationship because his girlfriend was just 13.

He feared breaking the law, but ended up breaking the girl's heart.

After reading on the Herald's website that a Honiton man had been jailed for having sex with underage girls, he wrote: "If we had gone steady, I can't imagine ever wanting to look at someone else and may well have been close to a 40th wedding anniversary by now.

"If she is still alive, she would be 52 now.

"All I can say is, if you read this, Angela, check out the story on the Herald's website, because that is why I split with you, nothing else.

"I have always thought you were absolutely great, and it took me decades to settle down afterwards.