A FORMER geography teacher who sexually abused boys at a private school over more than a decade has been jailed for 16 years.

John Foxley, 68, who was also a house master at the school in Bracondale, Norwich, used his position of trust to abuse five pupils in the early 1980s through to 1990.

He admitted seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 years, four counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 years and six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years, Norfolk Police said.

The force said that the defendant, of Riversdale, Frodsham, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, April 28) to 16 years in prison.

One of the survivors of the sexual abuse committed by Foxley told the court that the "dark memories of abuse and being singled out ended in an escape into drink or drugs", with the lowest point finding him in a room in a house for vulnerable young adults.

He added that the "effects of the sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse remain to this day as disturbing as they were 20 years ago".

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Dave Freeman said: "This is a dreadful case where a person in a position of trust used his role to sexually abuse boys in his care.

"The impact of this kind of crime can be devastating and last throughout the victims' lifetimes.

"This has been a complex investigation and I would like to thank the victims for their courage and understanding during such a protracted investigation.

"The officers involved in this investigation also deserve praise for such a thorough and professional investigation."

Foxley must serve a minimum of 14 years in prison with two served on licence.