A former Tunbridge Wells teacher has been jailed for seven years for the rape of a girl.

Richard Atkins, who taught at Ridgeway School between 1977 and 1987, was also convicted of eight assaults against the girl and one of indecent assault.

The 58-year-old was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court for the offences which happened in the 70s.

Police say Atkins, who first attacked the girl when she was aged six, worked at the school between 1974 and 1977.

His victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has since rebuilt her life after the sustained attacks.

She opened her heart to her mother when she was 19.

Married Atkins, whose wife knew nothing of his secret past, returned to the UK just before last Christmas - and West Midlands Police were waiting for him at the airport.

He immediately admitted the rape and and a string of sexual offences.

Det Chief Insp Bas Javid said: "The evidence that built up against Atkins was compelling and we were ready to extradite him when he suddenly returned.

"Whether he wanted to wipe the slate clean we don't know, but it is certain that this man inflicted a great deal of torment on his victim over a sustained spell.'

Atkins, who has three children of his own, also taught at Sandon School in Chelmsford, Essex in 1993 and Tile Hill Wood School in Coventry between 1974 and 1977.