John Lamb

John Lamb, a 66-year-old former teacher from Loughborough, has been jailed for six years after being found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault against four boys. The offences, described by the judge as 'predatory offending', took place during the 1990s and early 2000s, both at Nottingham High School where Lamb worked and at his home address.

Lamb knew three of the victims as pupils at Nottingham High School, where he was employed until leaving the education profession in 2011. The fourth victim was met at a cricket match, after which Lamb showed him around Loughborough University, where he later worked. The assaults involved groping and other forms of indecent contact, with some occurring in confined spaces at school and others at Lamb's residence on Park Road in Loughborough.

• One victim described being 'trapped in a confined space' and groped after Lamb 'targeted' him, as read out in court by prosecutor Sarah Knight.
• Another victim stated that Lamb's actions 'clouded my thinking over my sexuality'.
• A third victim's statement highlighted the long-term impact: 'The effect of child abuse ripples far beyond the initial events. The actions of John Lamb have had a significant and sustained impact on me.'

At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Sally Hancox characterised Lamb as 'an intelligent and sadly manipulative man' who exploited the victims to satisfy his 'desire to control'. She noted that Lamb forced each victim to recount their abuse during the trial, effectively labelling them as liars. Lamb was cleared of one count of indecent assault but convicted on the remaining 10.

Defending barrister Andrew Wesley acknowledged Lamb's respected career, stating he had 'affected the lives of many, many young people for the better' and that even some victims conceded his teaching was exemplary. However, the court emphasised the gravity of the predatory behaviour. The case was heard at Nottingham Crown Court, with reporting from BBC News based on court proceedings.