Head of children's home jailed on abuse charges dating back to the 1970's

Rodney Smallman, who was found guilty on December 19th of abusing boys in his care, has now been sentenced to less than thirteen years in prison.

The Oxford Crown Court heard details of assaults carried out by Smallman on children under the age of 16 during the 1970's and 1980's.  

The case came to light after an investigation was carried out by the Thames Valley Police child abuse investigation unit.

One of Smallman's victims recalled the horror he suffered at the hands of the accused and said: "He has ruined my life. He was a very scary person who could terrify any child. He took away my chance of me having a happy life."

The 73-year-old man pleaded innocent to the charges, but Det Con Joanne Waddington dismissed his pleas, saying: "He abused his position in the worst way imaginable."

The children's home in Oxfordshire, which housed vulnerable children forced to leave their own homes, has since been closed down.