A FORMER chemistry teacher has been jailed after admitting sexually assaulting two pupils at a Widnes school in the 1970s.

Michael Wilde, 66, from Drake Close, Warrington was sentenced to two years at Chester Crown Court on Monday, September 28 after pleading guilty to five counts of indecent assault of a boy under the age of 14 at an earlier hearing.

Wilde had admitted assaulting the two boys while he was a teacher at Wade Deacon grammar school in Birchfield Road, Widnes between September 1972 and July 1974.

The boys were aged 12 and 13 at the time.

Police began an investigation after the two victims came forward independently of each other last year.

DC Karen Kendrick said: “I’d like to praise both victims for their bravery in coming forward after all this time and having the courage to see this through to a conviction.

“We provided them with help and support throughout, as no matter how long ago the crimes took place, it still has a devastating and lasting effect.

“I hope this successful result helps them to find some form of closure and that victims of abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, feel confident that Cheshire Police takes this type of crime seriously and will provide the sensitive support and help needed.”

A spokesman for Wade Deacon High School said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected.

“We hope that the justice served will help them to move on from this historic case.”

The school sent a letter yesterday to parents of their 1,500 pupils notifying them of the conviction.

Principal Michele Bacon told parents: “We have worked closely with the relevant authorities during the inquiry into this historic matter and our thoughts are with the victims and those affected.

“We take the trust placed in us by the children and their parents very seriously and all appropriate current safeguarding measures are in place.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of every child is always our absolute priority.

“It remains a privilege to serve your children and help to give them the best possible start in life.”

Cheshire Police urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to contact them on 101.