David Hope 76

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A FORMER music teacher has been jailed for 17 years after he was convicted by a jury of sexually abusing a young boy nearly four decades ago.

David Hope, 74, now faces spending the rest of his life in prison after a judge said his victim who cannot be identified for legal reasons had had to relive his horrific experience at the former Malsis School, Glusburn, during a trial.

Judge Ahmed Nadim said the complainant was still bearing the scars of the damage done to him by Hope, who had exploited the boys vulnerability by repeatedly engaging in serious offending against him.

You are a man who admits to having a sexual interest in young boys, a perversion that appears to be deep-rooted, Judge Nadim told Hope over a video link to HMP Leeds.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Hope, of Granby Close, Headingley, had previously served a 20-month prison sentence in the 1990s for offending against other boys.

In December last year, a jury found him guilty of three charges of buggery, three offences of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.

Barrister Nicholas Worsley, for Hope, said his client was now of an age where it was highly likely he would never see outside the prison walls.

He said his client was not a well man and had to use a crutch to get around the prison.

Judge Nadim said Hope had to be dealt with as an offender of particular concern, which meant he had to add an extra year of licence on top of his 17-year custodial sentence.

He said the boys parents had sent their child to the boarding school with the expectation that he would receive a first class education, his character would be developed and the education he received would improve his life opportunities.

They also expected that he would be properly cared for and safe at Malsis, added Judge Nadim.

By committing the offences you committed you breached every one of those expectations Ive referred to, said the judge.

It was no exaggeration to say that Hope had robbed the complainant of his childhood and undermined his lifes potential, he added.

I have no doubt you have inflicted severe psychological harm upon your victim, said Judge Nadim.

Hope will now also be subject to registration as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.