A former teacher was jailed for three-and-a-half years today for sexually abusing two "vulnerable" teenagers.

Jeff Morrell, 65, of Peveril Drive, Teddington, was last month found guilty of 12 offences of sexual assault involving two boys, at the time aged 14 and 15.

At the Old Bailey today he was jailed for 18 months for six offences against one victim and three-and-a- half years for the other six against the other boy. The sentences will be served concurrently.

Morrell - who carried out the crimes when he was head of year at a school in Stockwell in the 1970s - was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

During the trial, Linda Strudwick, prosecuting, told the jury Morrell worked at the school between 1973 and 1983 before becoming a taxi driver.

He had been forced to resign following a disciplinary hearing into his relationship with another boy at the school and later in 1983 was convicted of gross indecency with a "rent boy" and placed on a register of teachers who had committed sexual assaults.

The court heard Morrell visited one of the boys at home and also took him to his home.

The jury were told the abuse, which only came to light when a victim told his family years later, continued in one case after the boy had left school.

Both victims told police they were kept in for "detention" and were locked in Morrell's office.

Miss Strudwick said: "He used his position of authority and his proximity to schoolboys to target young boys who were vulnerable."

Sergeant Chris Wilson, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased that justice has finally caught up with Morrell and that his victims are able to see him being punished for the acts he committed against them.

"Our investigation found that Morrell had a predilection for boys that would be considered vulnerable and used his position to abuse those placed under his responsibility and care.

"I hope that the conviction and sentencing of Morrell demonstrates that the Met takes very seriously allegations of historic abuse and where investigations unearth the evidence, will prosecute those responsible."

Sgt Wilson also praised the victims' bravery.

He added: "The courage of Morrell's two victims when coming forward and giving their evidence is an example to us all and I hope that this result encourages any other victims of abuse, regardless of their background or personal circumstances to follow their example and come forward and report them to police where they will be treated seriously and sensitively by specially trained officers."