A former teacher who admitted sexually abusing boys he taught at a Porirua school, has been sentenced to prison for four years and nine months.
Richard Joel, 62, was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on Friday morning to four years and nine months on 16 charges to which he had earlier pleaded guilty.
The offending occurred between 1970-1976, while Joel was teaching at Corrina School. His victims were aged between seven and 12 years.
The charges included indecent assault and permitting a boy to do an indecent act on him.
Two statements were read to the court in which victims spoke about the harm Joel's offending had done to them and the lifelong damage they had suffered as a result.
Joel still interested in boys - judge
Judge Bruce Davidson said aggravating features were the sustained and ongoing nature of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victims.
He said Joel created opportunities to offend against the boys, including sometimes inviting them to his home and on occasions giving them alcohol.
Judge Davidson said material found on Joel's home computer suggested he still had an interest in boys.
Detective Sergeant Dan Keno, who led the inquiry, says the police are still keen to hear from any other victims who have not yet contacted them about Joel's offending.
Police will continue to operate the 0800 number set up to gather information about Joel.
Mr Keno says they want to make sure the victims are able to access counselling.
