A FORMER Clacton foster carer whose historic sexual abuse drove one of his victims to the brink of suicide will serve at least nine years in prison.

Judge Simon Mayo QC sentenced Leslie Bryan to a total of 18 years for 13 offences against boys in Clacton.

The pensioner, 64, had denied the crimes but was found guilty following a four-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He appeared there today (April 6) for sentence.

Judge Simon Mayo QC said: “These offences are so serious only a substantial custodial sentence would be appropriate to mark the gravity of what you did.”

The historic offences, dating back to the 1970s and 80s, ranged from indecent assault to indecency with a child - now sexual assault with a child under 13 and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Against one victim Bryan committed two acts of buggery, the most serious offence which would now be prosecuted as rape.

Therefore they carried the heaviest sentences of seven and 11 years to be served consecutively.

"Eighteen years is the least sentence I can give to mark the totality of the offences," the judge added.

Bryan's heinous abuse began when he was aged 21 to about 28, but did not come to light until autumn 2016.

It emerged one of the victims told the authorities of the attack back in the 80s.

Although the allegations were investigated, no charges were brought against Bryan.

His defence barrister Andrew Tucker claimed he was immature at the time, had suffered unhappy childhood experiences and alluded to him having being a victim of familial abuse.

He quoted a probation officer who stated this had resulted in a "form of psychiatric disorder" in Bryan, who had not committed any further offences.

Extracts from all three victim impact statements were read aloud in court in which one man said Bryan took his childhood away and how he will never forget.

He added: "The emotional side reduces over time but the mental scars run deep.

"If it wasn't for my wife, I would've took my own life years ago."

Another said he has had to "bury the memories in his unconscious purely to survive" and described how he still takes anti-depressant and sleeping tablets.

Bryan, of Burton Close, Dawley, in Shropshire, was also put under an 18 year sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer Det Con Jeanine Atkins-Calver said: “No child should ever experience the type of abuse Bryan subjected his victims to. 

"His crimes were vile and have had a long-lasting impact.

“The fact he refused to admit his guilt, making his victims relive their ordeal through a trial is particularly galling, and I want to praise them for their courage through this process. 

"I hope this sentence brings them some solace."

The message is it is never too late to report abuse.

An NSPCC spokesman for the East of England said: “The fact a sick predator is now behind bars is testament to the courage of Bryan’s victims who were forced to face their abuser in court because of his cowardly lack of remorse.

“While this case proves tvictims of non-recent abuse can have the confidence to speak out, it’s also important children are empowered to recognise and report abuse from an early age."

  • If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, you can contact Childline anytime on 0800 1111.
  • Adult survivors of non-recent abuse, or anyone concerned about a child, can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.