A pensioner has been jailed for sexually abusing two teenage boys at an Anerley children's home.

Bryan Handley, 71, of Lower Road was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of buggery and four counts of indecent assault against boys aged 14 and 15.

A former resident of Orchard Lodge - a secure children's home in Anerley, - contacted police in April 2011 with allegations that he had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of one of the staff at the home during the 1980s.

Despite only being given the name 'Bryan' for the suspect, officers managed to identify Handley through staff records and interviews with other witnesses who also worked at the home at that time.

Officers received similar allegations from a second man in May 2011 that he had also been abused at the same home and officers managed to locate and arrest Handley in October 2011.

In police interviews, Handley denied he abused any of the children in his care, but after a long and complex investigation, Handley was eventually charged in July 2015.

Following a trial in October 2016, he was found guilty of all offences, which relate to a period between 1984 and 1987. 

Detective Constable Mark Tarrant, of the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Handley abused his position of trust in a children's care home to sexually abuse two teenage boys.

"I would like to commend the courage of the two men, now aged in their 40s, who gave evidence in court.

"Although no prison sentence can ever make up for the physical and psychological damage caused by the appalling abuse they suffered, I hope the 12 year sentence given to Handley gives them some form of closure.

"This case highlights that, no matter the length of time that has passed, the public should feel reassured that we will thoroughly investigate all historical sexual offences and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

Anyone wanting to report non-recent sexual abuse can do so via their local police by calling 101 or in person at a local police station.