February 2015 Retired school teacher and youth worker, 77, is jailed for 15 years for child abuse A CHILD abuser whose crimes were described as “despicable, depraved and abhorrent” by his own barrister was today jailed for fifteen-and-a-half years. Retired schoolteacher and youth worker Alan Medd, 77, was said to have “lost everything” when his sordid secrets from decades ago emerged last year. His barrister, Adrian Dent, told a packed courtroom at Teesside Crown Court this morning that the predatory paedophile is likely to die behind bars. Medd, of Londonderry Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child at earlier court hearings. He returned today with a suitcase, and Mr Dent said: “There is, on his part, a sense of relief that after all these years the truth has finally come out. “He well knows that justice will entail a very substantial custodial sentence . . . what is about to ensue will be a severe punishment for him. Given his age, there is every chance that he may die in prison . . . he has always known this day is coming . . . he is here today to face his punishment.” The court heard how Medd, who also lived in nearby Billingham, abused at least four children – grooming one with gifts and ordering others to stay quiet. Judge Peter Bowers told him: “You cannot begin to understand the profound and enduring damage your abuse causes and has caused to these children.” Former teacher admits string of sexual offences against children A former schoolteacher is facing a long prison sentence today after he admitted a string of sexual offences against children. White-haired Alan Alfred Medd – described as a “predatory sex offender” – has finally been brought to justice having molested four children decades ago. The 76-year-old was told to “expect a substantial sentence” for a total of 21 child sex offences at Teesside Crown Court. Last month Medd, whom The Gazette understands is a retired teacher, pleaded guilty to nine offences of indecently assaulting a boy under 14 in the 1990s. Today he pleaded guilty to 12 more offences against three more victims, all under 13, dating back to the 1980s and 90s. Medd admitted five charges of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child relating to a young girl. He also admitted four counts of indecent assault on a young boy and two counts of indecent assault on another boy. Medd, of Londonderry Road, Newtown, Stockton, could not be sentenced for his crimes straightaway and will be sentenced on March 2. Prosecutor Richard Bennett said the Crown would seek up-to-date personal statements from the victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The prosecution will also consider whether Medd needs a sexual offences prevention order to protect children in future. Mr Bennett added: “It seems to the Crown he’s a predatory sex offender who chooses young children as a victim. “We need to look at the potential future risk.” Judge Peter Bowers bailed Medd, formerly of Billingham, on condition that he does not approach prosecution witnesses. He told the defendant: “Mr Medd, I appreciate that in some ways you would like to get this matter over and done with, but I think justice which is dealt with quickly is not justice. “I would rather have somebody reflect on it properly before sentencing you. “You’ve got bail in the meantime, but obviously you can expect a substantial sentence.” A woman was heard to say “rot in hell lad” to Medd as he walked out of the courtroom.