A former care worker from Sutton has been jailed after he was found guilty of sexually abusing three boys aged under 13 in the 1970s.

Bernard Collins, 73, of Worcester Road, was convicted of five accounts of indecent assault and sentenced to four years imprisonment today.

Former colleague Patrick Grant, 69, from Cardiff, was found guilt of ten accounts of indecent assault and sentenced to eight years earlier this month.

The abuse was committed against three boys in the care of the two men whilst they were residents at children's homes in Lambeth, Kingston and Cardiff.

An investigation was launched by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Squad after a victim came forward to speak to police in 2014.

As enquiries progressed, another victim disclosed that he was indecently assaulted by Grant and Collins when a resident at Fircroft Children's Home, Kingston, in 1976, aged just 11 years old.

Further enquiries identified a third victim.

The trial established that, between 1976 and 1989, three boys aged between 10 and 13 were abused when in the care of local authorities at Fircroft Childrens Home (Kingston), Shirley Oaks Childrens Home (Lambeth) and Walker House Children's Home (Llanishen, South Wales).

Both men were charged on Monday, April 23 (2018) with indecent assault.

Detective Sergeant Paul Pringle from the Met's Operation Trinity said: "This is a case which dates back more than 40 years, but despite the length of time since the incidents, these men will now face justice for the appalling crime they committed.

“Grant and Collins abused their positions of trust within the care homes and exploited the trust placed upon them.

“The victims have had to live their lives carrying the trauma and lasting effects of the abuse imposed upon them by Grant and Collins at such young ages.

“They have shown great courage in coming forward to police and reporting the horrific abuse they endured.

“I hope today's conviction brings them some measure of closure and I would urge anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police. Specially trained officers will be there to support you."