A former teacher at a school in Croydon has been sentenced to 14 years in jail after being found guilty of historic sex offences.

Alan Kehoe, 53, was convicted for numerous offences at Inner London Crown Court on December 21.

These include one count of buggery with a boy under 16,  one count of causing or inciting a boy under 16 to engage in sexual activity, one count of assaulting a boy under 13 by touching and one count of adult abuse of trust causing or inciting sexual activity with a boy.

The offences took place between 1994 and 1996 while Kehoe was a teacher at a school on Wellesley Road, Croydon.

In July 2018, one of the victims reported that Kehoe had sexually assaulted him while he was a pupil at the school.

Detectives from South Area’s Safeguarding Team launched an investigation and a further victim was identified.

Other witnesses were also located who detailed further evidence of grooming.

Kehoe, of Durrans Court in Bletchley, was arrested and later charged with the above offences.

Kehoe failed to appear at court for his trial and a warrant is out for his arrest.

Detective constable Helen Smith, who led the investigation, said: “The victims in this case have been incredibly brave in coming forward and reporting the offences Kehoe committed against them.

"The evidence that they gave in court was pivotal in securing a significant custodial sentence and they should be commended for speaking out.

“There may be others who were abused by Kehoe who until now have not felt able to tell anyone.

"Please get in touch with us – we are here to listen to you and will take what you say incredibly seriously.

"Anyone responsible for carrying out these kind of crimes should face justice, no matter how much time has passed.”

Anyone who wants to speak to police can do so by calling 101 or reporting online.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "At Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, 21 December, Alan Kehoe, 53 (30.05.68), of Durrans Court in Bletchley, was convicted of one count of buggery with a boy under 16, one count of causing or inciting a boy under 16 to engage in sexual activity, one count of assaulting a boy under 13 by touching and one count of adult abuse of trust causing or inciting sexual activity with a boy.

"Kehoe failed to appear at court for his trial and a warrant is out for his arrest.

"The offences took place between 1994 and 1996 while Kehoe was a teacher at a school on Wellesley Road, Croydon.

"In July 2018, one of the victims reported that Kehoe had sexually assaulted him while he was a pupil at the school.

"Detectives from South Area’s Safeguarding Team launched an investigation and a further victim was identified.

"Other witnesses were also located who detailed further evidence of grooming.

"Kehoe was arrested and later charged with the above offences."