Plymouth ex-teacher convicted of indecent assault of boys

A former teacher who indecently assaulted boys more than 30 years ago has been jailed for at least 10 years. 

Glynn Tonkiss was found guilty of 35 counts of indecent assault of six boys between 1978 and 1985.  The Court heard that Mr Tonkiss had abused pupils and also groomed and abused another boy through a Catholic church.  He has been sentenced to 16 years in prison, of which he is likely to serve at least 10 years.

Mr Tonkiss had denied all the charges against him during an eight day trial which meant the victims were required to be cross-examined.  The judge, Recorder Jo Martin QC referred to Mr Tonkiss’ “outlandish” claims to undermine the testimony of his victims.

In her summing up, Recorder Jo Martin QC recognised the impact that the abuse had on the victims and referring to one stated “the impact was very clear for all to see during the trial.  His life, he feels, has been destroyed by your abuse”.

Gary Walker, of Enable Law, says “I have spoken to many survivors and have seen the long-term effects that abuse can have.  The fact that Mr Tonkiss chose to deny the allegations and subjected his victims to cross-examination and “outlandish” claims in an attempt to undermine their truth could have caused  cause further trauma.  I hope that the survivors are now able to move on with their lives and be offered the support that they may need.”

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