A former teacher from Frodsham who sexually abused boys at a private school in Norwich over more than a decade has been given a 16-year sentence at Norwich Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 28 April 2021).

This follows an investigation by Norfolk Constabulary's Child Abuse Investigation Unit which resulted in John Foxley being charged with a series of offences including indecent assault on boys under the age of 14 and 16. The offences relate to five pupils from the school in Bracondale, Norwich, during the early 1980s through to 1990.

Foxley, 68, of Riversdale, Frodsham, a geography teacher and House Master at the school, was sentenced to 16 years and ordered to serve a minimum of 14 years in custody with two served on licence after admitting seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 years, four counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 years, six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years.

One of the survivors of sexual abuse committed by Foxley, told the court that the "dark memories of abuse and being singled out ended in an escape into drink or drugs" with the lowest point finding him in a room in a house for vulnerable young adults.

He added that the "effects of the sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse remain to this day as disturbing as they were 20 years ago."

Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Freeman, said: "This is a dreadful case where a person in a position of trust used his role to sexually abuse boys in his care. The impact of this kind of crime can be devastating and last throughout the victims' lifetimes.

"This has been a complex investigation and I would like to thank the victims for their courage and understanding during such a protracted investigation. The officers involved in this investigation also deserve praise for such a thorough and professional investigation."