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Devon school caretaker jailed for child abuse

A public school caretaker has been jailed for 19 years after sexually abusing four "vulnerable " boys, a court has heard.

Anthony Bennett, 65, denied the charges but was convicted of a serious sexual assault, 10 counts of indecent assault, six counts of gross indecency and four counts of inciting a child under 16 to commit gross indecency.

The jury heard Mr Bennett was a maintenance worker at Shebbear School near Hatherleigh, North Devon, in the late 1970s and early 1980s where he lived in a shed and a caravan in the grounds.

He offered refuge to boys who were homesick but then "abused their trust" by engaging in sexual activity with them, Exeter Crown Court heard.

The jury found him guilty of the charges at trial and he was sentenced on Friday.

Any adult with concerns about the welfare of a child or who would like to report child abuse now or in the past, can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. 

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