A HEADMASTER is ‘appalled’ by the ‘abhorrent’ behaviour of a former teacher who sexually abused boys as young as 12 years old at a boarding school.

Will Lockett, current head of Abberley Hall School near Worcester, says many changes have taken place since the abuse by ex-teacher Paul Stevens in the 1980s and 1990s and has spoken of the school’s ‘high’ and ‘rigorous’ safeguarding standards.

Stevens, a 60-year-old former housemaster, football coach and head of maths, admitted five counts of indecency with a child and 10 indecent assaults against three boys at the school, one of whom has since died from an alcohol-related condition after his family said his life had been been ‘utterly ruined’ by the abuse he experienced.

A total of 14 further counts from the 29 count indictment will lie on file and police have already reported that five further potential victims have come forward with allegations against Stevens, of Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, North Wales.

The abuse happened at the school between January 1, 1983 and March 22, 1991. Stevens left the school at the end of 1999 and had received written warnings about his ‘over-familiarity’ with some pupils earlier that year.

Stevens changed some of his pleas early on in his trial at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday as the first victim was poised to give evidence.

The jury was directed by the judge to return unanimous guilty verdicts.

Stevens was remanded in custody by judge Andrew Lockhart QC and may be sentenced on July 5.

Headmaster Mr Lockett, speaking after the guilty verdicts, said: “There is absolutely no defence for such abhorrent behaviour and the total betrayal of trust afforded by parents, the school and pupils.”

The headmaster said his first thoughts at the conclusion of the trial were with the victims of Stevens’ ‘inexcusable conduct’.

He added: “Although the incidents predate my appointment as head by some 20 to 30 years, as a parent and head teacher I am truly appalled with the details of this historic case.

“Naturally, we have provided every assistance to the police investigation and thankfully the perpetrator is now facing justice and a lengthy custodial sentence.

“I should also stress that there have been many changes at the school over the past 30 years. Certainly, I am confident the rigorous and robust safeguarding measures we have in place today will help to ensure the welfare and protection of all our pupils at all times.

“Indeed, our successful ISI Inspection in 2017 has also provided independent verification of the high standards we have established and apply.”

After the trial concluded judge Lockhart spoke of the ‘extremely distressing evidence’ of the case.

He asked jurors to leave with the thought that ‘men like Mr Stevens are vanishingly rare.’

Judge Lockhart told them: “Please don’t go out into the community and suspect everyone of being such a person. You must trust your fellow human beings as you would always want to be trusted yourself.”