Former teacher Paul Stuart Adams jailed for seven years for sexual abuse

Paul Stuart Adams, a former teacher, has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing two boys.  Adams was convicted of nine separate offences and must now sign the sex offenders’ register and follow the terms of a strict prevention order.

The prosecution told the court how the abuse had caused one of the victims to suffer feelings of “self-hatred, long-lasting shame and ultimately sadness” at the way the abuse had affected his life.

The other victim read his victim impact statement in court describing how the sexual abuse by Adams had taken away his childhood and caused him to become dependent on alcohol and drugs.

Judge Richard Archer recognised the severity of the abuse Adams had perpetrated against these boys saying: “For over two decades, on and off, you sexually abused young men and boys who had turned to you for support and assistance with their lives.

Child abuse can have a devastating and lifelong impact on a victim’s life and so the bravery shown by Adams’ victims in reporting their abuse must be commended.  My hope is that their bravery will empower others who have suffered abuse to do the same, so that those responsible can be brought to justice.

Abbie Hickson is an associate solicitor in the Abuse team at Bolt Burdon Kemp.  If you or a loved one have a claim, contact Abbie free of charge and in confidence on 020 7288 4870 or at abbiehickson@boltburdonkemp.co.uk.  Alternatively, complete this form and one of the solicitors in the Abuse team will contact you.  You can find out more about the Abuse team.