Marcus Marcussen: 91-year-old Birmingham paedophile becomes UK's oldest first-time offender to be jailed

Former Birmingham PE teacher Marcus Marcussen will likely die in prison after the 91-year-old was found guilty of sexually abusing schoolboys at the former Ilmington Comprehensive School in Weoley Castle and a nearby youth club.

Marcussen, of Rochford, near Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, was found guilty of 25 counts of sexual assault at Birmingham Crown Court, after preying on children at the school where he taught at more than 40 years ago between 1957 and 1978.

He will become the UK's oldest first time offender to receive a custodial sentence after Judge Nicholas Webb jailed him for nine years today (Friday, February 13).

His crimes came to light when one of his victims, now aged 54, summoned up the courage to tell police he was sexually abused by Marcussen during and after PE lessons from the age of 12.

Following the complaint, police issued a public plea for more potential victims to come forward.

This resulted in a number of other former pupils contacting police to report assaults while at the school and also while attending a local youth club in Weoley Castle that Marcussen ran.

Marcussen, who taught at the school for his entire 45-year career, denied the claims but was charged with 30 counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency against boys under 16.

During his trial the court heard how Marcussen struck fear into boys, using a whale bone to intimidate them, and made naked pupils stand on chairs after they had showered to "inspect" whether they were dry or not.

His systematic abuse had such a profound effect on victims that one attempted to kill himself.

Detective Inspector Ian Ingram from Birmingham's Sexual offences Team, said: "At the time of offending, Marcussen abused the position he was in and sexually assaulted these young boys, who he was supposed to be supervising.

"His victims were left traumatised by what happened and continue to suffer to this day, but have shown commendable courage to draw a line under the abuse they suffered as children and to see their attacker face justice."