A FORMER teacher has been jailed for five years for historic sex abuse.

John Collier, of Leafield Road, Cowley, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court today.

The 70-year-old was found guilty by a jury in May of four counts of indecent assault on boys aged seven to 11.

The abuse dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when he was a teacher at North Kidlington Primary School and St Ebbe’s First School.

Investigating officer Det Con Sarah Berry from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “I am happy with the sentence handed to Collier for offences which took place more than 40 years ago. This case came about after a number of victims and other witnesses came to the police with information about Collier and this conviction is wholly due to their compelling evidence and bravery in coming forward.

“This sentencing also sends a message to offenders that your crimes are not necessarily buried in the past, you could still face a lengthy sentence.”

A spokesman for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “As a teacher, John Collier abused his position of trust and took advantage of his status to prey on young boys and sexually abuse them for his own sexual gratification.

"It is only due to the great courage of the victims that the despicable behaviour of this man has been exposed. I would like to pay tribute to them for their strength and tenacity in coming forward.

“The conviction and today’s sentence serves as an important message to people who have been the victim of crimes such as these, or those that know such crimes are being committed, that they should come forward and that time is no barrier to justice.

"The CPS will work closely with partners, as we did with Thames Valley Police in this case, to ensure that robust criminal cases are put before the courts.

“The emotional impact, on the victims and their families, of the abhorrent actions of this man is impossible to quantify. I hope that the conviction and sentence gives some small comfort to them. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”