A former boarding school headmaster has escaped an immediate prison sentence after he admitted indecently assaulting boys in his care.

John Mash, of Cobham Grange, Cobham, admitted indecently assaulting four boys under the age of 14 during the 1980s.

The Metropolitan Police said today that four former pupils had alleged Mash “would enter their dormitories at night and sexually assault boys boarding at the school”.

He first appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, February 15, and pleaded guilty to seven charges of indecent assault.

Mash, 79, was jailed for two years, suspended for two years, and handed a two-year supervision order for three of the counts at Isleworth Crown Court today (April 1).

He was also sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for three other counts. The sentences are to run concurrently. Two counts of indecent assault were left to lie on file.

Mash will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years and must pay costs of £1,350.

Detective Constable Emma MacDonald, from the Met’s sexual offences, child abuse and exploitation command, said: "Throughout this case I have been hugely impressed with the courage of the victims who have relived traumatic incidents from their childhood committed by a man entrusted to keep them safe.

"I urge all survivors of sexual abuse, no matter how historic, to come forward and speak with police."