A former scout leader and teacher has been jailed for sexually abusing three boys during a 16-year period.

Peter Wells, of Sheldon Close, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, preyed on children aged between eight and 13 years old between 1974 and 1992.

The 72 year-old carried out the sexual assaults while working as a teacher at Keble Preparatory school in Enfield, as scout leader within the district of Edmonton and also as an athletics coach for Enfield and Haringey Athletics.

The first victim, who is now in his 50s, reported that Wells had taken an "unhealthy interest" in him when he was a pupil at Keble Preparatory School.

He told detectives that Wells had abused him on a number of occasions on school trips and after athletics sessions during a seven-year period.

A second pupil said Wells abused him over a four-year period during his time at the school.

The victim, now in his 40s, said Wells put his hand inside his clothing an inappropriately touched him on numerous occasions.

The third victim, also in his 50s, said Wells abused him during his short time as a cub scout whilst Wells was scout leader.

Detectives in the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) unit began an investigation in March 2017 after one of the victims reported the incidents to police.

Subsequent police enquiries revealed two other victims who were also approached and willing to assist police in this investigation.

The three victims subsequently attended a north London police station and video interviews were carried out.

Wells was arrested on 24 March 2017. In police interview, he denied the allegations of sexual abuse.

He was convicted on Tuesday, November 27 of seven counts of indecent assault and five of gross indecency after a two-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 7 December.

Detective Constable Keith Kimberley, of the child abuse and sexual offences command, said: "The lengthy prison sentence handed to Wells reflects the long-lasting impact of the sexual abuse, which took place over the course of 16 years.

"I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward and reporting this abuse.

"This conviction shows that it is never too late to report sexual offences and I would urge anyone affected by this investigation to come forward and speak to police."