A teacher who sexually abused a “vulnerable” 13-year-old boy has been jailed for 12 years.

Andrew Adams, 68, pleaded guilty to charges of abusing and indecently assaulting a pupil at Highgate Wood School at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday.

Adams, of Solna Road, was a PE teacher at the school in the early 1980s.

His victim was said to be having personal problems during the period of abuse and confided in Adams, then in his 30s, who molested him.

Adams was arrested in August 2012, and charged in November 2013.

Detective Constable Samantha Andreas, of the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Andrew Adams abused his position of trust to take advantage of a vulnerable boy who had confided in him.

"Adams' abuse had a devastating impact on his victim who struggled to cope with the consequences; while he was in turmoil Adams continued to pursue his career.

"I would like to praise the courage of the victim who, despite the passage of time, had the confidence to come forward and report the abuse to police.

“Our specially trained officers have supported the victim throughout this process and I hope today's sentencing gives him some form of closure."

Police are also appealing for any other pupils who may have been abused by Andrew Adams to come forward and speak to them.