A Wallington pensioner has been jailed for historical sex offences against a student of his.

Brian Johncock, 79, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on September 13 where he was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for four counts of historic sexual assault/indecency against a single male victim.

Johncock pleaded not guilty, but was convicted by a jury at Lewes Crown Court on August 15 of the following:

  • One count of indecent assault on a boy under 14
  • One count of indecent assault on a boy under 14 [on at least four occasions other than count 1].
  • One count of gross indecency with a boy under 16
  • One count of gross indecency with a boy under 16 [other than count 1].

He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order [SHPO] and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The court heard that in the late 1960s to early 1970s Johncock would meet the victim, who was known to him, at Johncock’s home in Wallington.

The abuse started after Johncock targeted and subsequently groomed the victim whilst teaching him at school and this lasted for a number of years.

The victim reported the abuse to the police in March 2017.

An investigation was launched by the South Area Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Johncock was arrested on March 24, 2017 and was charged on March 12, 2019.

Detective Constable Giles Weeden, who led the investigation, said: “Johncock used his job as a teacher to exploit a vulnerable child under his care. Instead of being a beacon of support, he completely abused his position and groomed a young child for his own gratification.

“It took immense bravery for the victim to come forward to police after all these years and to describe and re-live traumatic childhood memories. Without his evidence, Johncock would still be free.

“I would like to thank the victim for his courage in coming forward and I hope this conviction brings a measure of closure.

“There is a possibility that there are other victims in the areas of Clapham and Purley. Anyone who believes that they are victim of this crime should come forward without delay. Please be assured that the information you provide will be treated in strictest confidence and you will be supported by specialist officers.”

Police are encouraging victims of sexual offences to come forward.

Please call police via 101 or contact police via Twitter @MetCC quoting 1206125/17.