A second man has been sentenced for non-recent sexual offences against children at a former boarding school in Worcestershire.
Maurice Lambell, 69, of Platt Fold Street in Wigan was sentenced to 25 years in prison at Worcester Crown Court on Friday (20 October) after he was previously found guilty of 30 offences.
He failed to appear for sentencing earlier this month and was arrested on warrant the following day.
His co-accused, Keith Figes, 73, of Breach Close in Bourton, Dorset, was sentenced to 27 years in prison earlier this month as part of the same case.
The offences took place between 1966 and 1974 at Berrow Wood School in the village of Pendock, on the border of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire near the Malvern Hills.
The school housed boys aged 10 to 18, many of which were considered to have behavioural or learning difficulties.
Figes and Lambell were both ‘housefathers’ at the school, entrusted with the care and welfare of the children.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Mark Walters, said: “This has been a complex and long case, extended further for the victims by Lambell failing to appear for his original sentencing date earlier this month.
“I’m pleased justice has finally been done for the survivors of Lambell and Figes’ institutionalised abuse.”
Speaking earlier this month when Figes was sentenced, he said: “Both abused their positions of trust to commit abhorrent crimes against young and vulnerable boys who they were supposed to be caring for.
“I’d like to commend the victims for the courage they’ve shown in coming forward and the way they have conducted themselves throughout the trial.
“The abuse has had long-lasting effects on their mental and physical health and the trauma caused by Lambell and Figes is something which will live with them all forever.
“Unfortunately, the convictions came too late for two victims, who sadly died before they got to see justice done. Our thoughts remain with their family and friends.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of non-recent child sexual abuse to come forward and talk to police.
“You will be listened to and your experiences will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”
Contact the Victim Advice Line at [email protected] or call 0800 9523000 if you’ve been affected by child sexual abuse.
