Sex-abuse teacher jailed for more than 10 years

John Alway, 60, targeted at least seven girls while he worked at four schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Alway “created opportunities” to spend time alone with his victims so he could touch their bottoms, Bristol Crown Court heard.

He even blocked a window in one classroom before convincing a young girl to remove her clothing.

The father-of-two, who taught geography, history, science, physical education and religious education, then sexually assaulted the “vulnerable” pupil and lay on top of her.

His attack only stopped when someone knocked on the door, the court heard.

Married Alway, of Bradley Stoke in Bristol, had denied 23 charges against eight girls between 1997 and 2004.

But a jury – after 26 hours and 57 minutes – convicted him of 15 counts of indecent assault and one sexual assault against seven girls.

He was acquitted of a further five counts of sexual assault and two of indecent assault.

Early in the trial the judge had directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on a charge of attempted rape.

Alway, who was supported by his family in court, showed no emotion as Judge Richard Longman sentenced him to 10 years and six months in prison.

The judge said: “It is hard to think of any greater trust than one we place in those who teach and care for our children.

“You repeatedly and persistently behaved in a flagrant breach of that trust by behaving indecently towards young girls who were at the time entrusted to your care.

“You did so over the course of your short teaching career, not only taking opportunities to touch girls inappropriately when the occasion arose but also creating opportunities to touch them inappropriately for your sexual pleasure.”

Judge Longman barred Alway from working with children indefinitely and made him subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to protect potential future victims.

The judge added: “Your offending behaviour spanned a period of about seven years and has affected at least seven girls.

“You chose to contest these allegations to the last.”

Alway’s victims, who sat in a packed public gallery, wept as the sentence was passed.

Ian Fenny, prosecuting, told the court giving evidence had caused stress to the victims, including one who was heavily pregnant during the trial.

Mr Fenny added: “As a direct consequence of her having to give evidence in this case, she had to go into hospital a week before the safe delivery of her little boy.”

Anna Midgley, for Alway, said he had no previous convictions. Miss Midgley said: “Many people spoke very highly of him – parents, staff and pupils.

“He is somebody who has been married for a very long time who has a loving and supportive family. He has been in their eyes a good father and a good husband.

“They are as much victims as the people sitting in the public gallery.”