A former councillor has been convicted of historic sex crimes carried out while he was working as an economics teacher at a prestigious school.

Russell Tillson, 72, has now been told he faces a jail sentence after a jury convicted him on four of six sex offences - dating back many years.

Tillson, of Ship Close, Dymchurch, remained impassive as the jury returned verdicts at Maidstone Crown Court.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens told him: "You have been convicted on four counts and a term of imprisonment is likely if not inevitable."

Tillson was granted bail until September 1 when he will be sentenced following the preparation of reports by the probation service.

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly had told the jury: "This case concerns sexual assaults by Tillson when he was employed as a teacher."

"They say they were sexually assaulted in a very similar manner. Namely, that Tillson grabbed their genitalia."

He added that Tillson had worked at Tonbridge School which was "a prestigious private school", based in Tonbridge.

"It is a boarding school and some of the teachers, including Tillson were provided with accommodation at premises owned by the school. "

He claimed that between 1980 and 2001, Tillson taught economics at the school and was also head of sixth form.

"It is clear that he was a charismatic and successful teacher. But the Crown say he abused his position of trust to assault two of his pupils for his sexual pleasure."

In February 2019, officers from Kent Police attended Tonbridge School and were provided paperwork that related to an allegation of sexual assault committed by the ex-teacher in 2001.

During the trial, the jury heard how Tillson offered teenagers alcohol.

When asked about his sexuality Tillson described himself as a closet homosexual.

He said he had never had a sexual relationship with a man of any age and said he had no sexual interest in children.

Tillson told the jury the last time he had sex was with a woman when he was at university.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Tillson used his power and position as a teacher to sexually abuse boys in his care.

“We hope that this case will show anyone struggling with the devastating impact of child sexual abuse that justice can be achieved, no matter who the perpetrator is or how long ago it happened.

“Children can speak confidentially and for free to a counsellor at Childline on 0800 1111.

“Adults with concerns about a child can phone the NSPCC helpline or email. If a child is in immediate danger always call the emergency services.”