A man who worked at a former Southampton children's home in the late 1980s and early 1990s has today been jailed for nine years for sexual offences against boys.

Two of the boys assaulted by former Scoutmaster Jack Jones were residents at the home in Thorold Road, Southampton, which has since closed.

Jones's co-accused, Stuart Murdoch, who has no connection with the home, was jailed for five years for sexual offences against a third boy at the defendants' former home in Barnfield Close, Southampton.

Last month Murdoch, 53, of Tankerville Road, Southampton, was convicted of five counts of sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16.

He had denied all the allegations but was found guilty.

In March this year Jones, 56, of York, admitted 14 counts of sexual offences against three boys under 16, including two youngsters at the children's home.

The case was adjourned until today at Southampton Crown Court for pre-sentence reports.

Alistair Wright, defending Jones, formerly known as Eamond Tallon, said his client had admitted his guilt from the start, preventing them from having to give evidence at a trial.

But the judge, Nicolas Rowland, told Jones that his offences constituted a breach of trust, especially those involving the boys at the children's home.

He added: "You should have been protecting them. Instead you were abusing them."

Turning to Murdoch he added: "During your trial I saw the way you tried to blame the victim for what you did to him, but the jury were having none of that."

The victims were aged 11-13.

As well as being jailed the two defendants were put on the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Inspector James Park, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased with the outcome of this sentencing, and for the victims that they finally have justice. 

“It was a very difficult and brave thing for them to come forward and give their accounts. 

“Many years ago these victims, who had a difficult start in life, were taken into care where they should have been safe from abuse.

“In the case of Jones, they were then abused by the very person charged with keeping them safe.

“Our investigations on Operation Marmion continue and I would hope that this court result will give anyone who was the victim of such abuse the confidence to make contact with us.”

The defendants were charged as part of Operation Marmion, which is Hampshire Constabulary's ongoing review of non-recent child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases.

The review includes new examinations of available evidence, the offer of additional support alongside partner agencies to those affected by CSE, and the prosecution of suspects through the courts.

Previous victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse or anyone with information can contact detectives at the police's Southern Training Headquarters at Netley by phoning 101 or alternatively calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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