ONE of the victims of sick former teacher David Hutchings said the abuse he suffered made him want to commit suicide.

Hutchings, aged 73, of Swan Court, Stratford, was sentenced him to four-and-a-half years in prison after previously pleading guilty to four indecent assaults against two pupils at Winterfold House School in Chaddesley Corbett

He also admitted a further count of indecency against one of the children at a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, April 27.

One of the victims, now a married father, flew in from America to give evidence and said he did not think anyone would believe him when he spoke in court room one.

He said: "It was my word against his and he was well-respected. He was an authority figure of huge stature. I lived in fear of my peers finding out my secret."

He said the guilt had festered over the years, leading to self-loathing. He started drinking at 15 and is still considered alcohol dependent.

He suffered a breakdown in March 2016 and was so concerned he would take his own life he asked his wife to remove a shotgun from the house.

The abuse by Hutchings, whom he described as being 'a surrogate father and mother', led to him becoming 'increasingly emotionally unstable'.

"I sank into deeper depression and suffered from suicidal ideation" he said.

He had to be admitted to hospital for eight days suffering from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and alcohol dependency.

Speaking from the witness box, he said he did not seek retribution or revenge but justice.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “By carrying out this appalling abuse, Hutchings betrayed the trust placed in him by pupils and their families.

“His victims’ bravery has helped bring him to justice, and it shows survivors of abuse will be listened to - no matter how many years have passed or who the abuser is."

The NSPCC helpline is 0808 800 5000. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.