A BUDE man has been sentenced to a further eight years in prison after being found guilty to further historic child sexual abuse.

Former teacher Jeremy Dowling, 78, was sentenced last Friday, September 2, at Truro Crown Court, to eight years for six counts of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incidents happened between 1973 and 1977 and took place at Bude’s St Michaels Church.

This sentence will be added to the seven year sentence Dowling (pictured) is already serving for 15 counts of indecently assaulting boys under 16 between 1959 and 1971.

He was found guilty in July 2015 after five former pupils came forward to police to complain that they were victims of sexual abuse.

Dowling was a teacher and senior member of staff at a private boarding school in Bude between 1959 and 1971.

Devon and Cornwall Police said most of the incidents happened at the school where he lived on site for the majority of his time there.

Numerous witnesses, including former pupils and members of the school, came forward to provide evidence about the abuse that happened between 1959 and 1970.

Detective Constable Grant Mills, Launceston CID, said: “I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to come forward, contact police and provide his evidence. In this case, Dowling had again abused his position of trust within the community.

“Today’s result shows that even with historical offences, we can still bring offenders to justice.

“We welcome the sentence and hope it will help to give some closure to the victim and allow them to move on with their lives.”