Elderly ex-teacher jailed for abusing boys

An elderly former teacher who sexually abused three young boys will not be eligible for release from jail for at least six years.

Ronald Lewis Tuckwell, 74, has been sentenced to 10 years' jail by the District Court in Adelaide.

He pleaded guilty to nine charges of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

The first offence in 1959 involved a 11-year-old boy and the others occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, also involving young boys.

Outside the court, the sentence has been welcomed by one of the victims.

"Surprised, but happy, and again I would say I feel it is just," he said.

Chief Judge Terry Worthington said the crimes were callous and involved a gross breach of trust against vulnerable and defenceless children.

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