A former youth club leader has been jailed for 16 years for historic child abuse.

Colin Richell, 73, was sentenced on Wednesday at Wood Green Crown Court in Lordship Lane, Wood Green for 15 counts of buggery, indecent assault and gross indecency.

His victim was eight to nine years of age when the abuse began in 1972, at a youth club run by Richell at the Devonshire Hill School in Haringey.

Over the next six years the abuse escalated and took place in various locations including Richell's car, home address and holiday home.

The victim reported the abuse to an outer London police force in 2013 and after police made initial inquiries the matter was referred to the Child Abuse Investigation Team at Barnet.

Following the investigation that followed, Richell attended Edmonton police station on Wednesday August 13, 2014 and was subsequently charged.

He denied the abuse in November 2014 at Wood Green Crown Court but was found guilty on Wednesday.

Detective Constable Goode, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Richell abused his position of trust and power to carry out systematic and sustained abuse on the victim, manipulating him to believe he had no way out of the situation.

"I commend the victim for his bravery in coming forward and reliving the horror of these offences before a jury.

"It is possible Richell has committed further offences and I would encourage anyone with information to contact my team on 0208 733 5039. To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."