A FORMER Tenbury Wells teacher has been jailed for 14 years for historic sex offences against children.

John McKno taught at the former St Michael’s School in Tenbury Wells. Two offences involving one victim of gross indecency with a child under 14, took place between 1979 and 1985.

McKno, aged 70, of Alby Hill, Alby, in north Norfolk, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing yesterday. He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period.

He was convicted of nine historic sexual assaults against five children at schools in Tenbury, Suffolk and Devon.

McKno originally denied all 12 offences he was accused of.

However, when the trial started in March, he pleaded guilty to nine of the charges.

Senior investigating officer DI Jim Gooding, said: “The sentencing of John McKno finally provides justice for his victims, who have waited between 30 and 40 years for this day.

“McKno committed the most heinous crimes and stole the childhoods of his victims from them, preying on them at a time when they were vulnerable and abusing his position of trust.”

More than 100 former pupils of Kesgrave Hall, in Norfolk,a boarding school for boys aged between 11-18 from across the country, who were described as being of high intellect, but with emotional or behavioural problems were located and written to about their time at the school and 50 responded.

Fifty former members of staff were also contacted with more than 50 responding.

Officers travelled more than 9,000 miles to speak with victims and witnesses.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “John McKno pursued a devious campaign to abuse vulnerable children with zero concern for the profoundly damaging impact it would have on them.

“As a teacher he was supposed to be in a position of trust but he cared little for the devastating and long lasting consequences of his horrifying actions.

“It beggars belief that he had the audacity to commit these crimes at three different schools around the country.

“The full force of the law should be used on sex offenders like McKno - however long after the abuse has happened.

“We must all be alert to signs of a child’s distress and responsible enough to act on our concerns without hesitation.

“For help and support children can contact ChildLine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk.”