A FORMER acting head teacher has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for abusing young boys.

Joachim Casey, 48, of Wareham, sexually molested two boys, abusing one of them from the age of nine.

Casey was suspended from his post at Wareham Middle School in around September last year after the school learned he was being investigated by police.

There is no suggestion that he abused youngsters at the school.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard the previously respected, church-going teacher was confronted at school by one of the victims, who recorded the conversation on his mobile phone.

The truth began to emerge when one of the victims contacted the NSPCC and then made allegations to police, said prosecutor Clifford Grier. Another victim came forward later.

Casey was arrested and admitted to the abuse of both boys.

He pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with children, two counts of sexual activity with a child and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Tim Shorter, defending, said that Casey was extremely remorseful for the abuse and has said that he “hates himself”.

He wrote to one victim saying: “I am so sorry for abusing you both.”

Casey had been considered to be of excellent character “in every aspect of life” said Mr Shorter but added: “Underneath that was this appalling record of abuse of two children from a young age.”

Judge Samuel Wiggs placed Casey on the sex offenders register for life and made him the subject of a sexual offences prevention order barring him from contact with young people.

“I do regard that as necessary to prevent serious sexual harm to members of the public. I take into account your good character and excellent working record as a teacher,” he added.

Speaking afterwards, DS Nigel Cullis of the child protection unit at Weymouth, said: “I want to express my thanks for the support and courage demonstrated by Casey’s victims and for the confidence they have shown in coming forward and reporting these horrendous crimes.”

There was “no evidence at all” that Casey abused any youngsters at the school he added. Anyone with concerns should contact Dorset Police or Dorset children’s services.

Iain Clark, headteacher at Wareham Middle School said in a statement: “The safety, well-being and education of our pupils is paramount. As soon as we were aware of the allegations, Mr Casey was suspended. He also handed in his resignation, so has not been an employee of the school since the end of October last year. We informed parents that a member of staff had been suspended and worked closely with the police and Dorset County Council's safeguarding teams throughout their investigations.”