Suffolk: Victims of a paedophile headmaster could receive tens of thousands of pounds in compensation following the beatings and sexual assaults that took place at a Suffolk school nearly 30 years ago.

Derek Slade, pictured, is beginning a 21-year jail term following a catalogue of abuse at St George’s School in Great Finborough in the late 1970s and early 80s.

The 61-year-old former headmaster could also be financially hit by a “substantial” compensation claim after being convicted of more than 50 counts of serious sexual assault, indecent assault, and actual bodily harm.

Former pupils, who were abused by Slade between 1978 and 1983, could be entitled to around �30,000 each following the injuries they received and psychological damage caused by the former head’s cruel actions.

Solicitor Andrew Grove, who is coordinating a compensation claim on behalf of ex Banham Marshalls College pupils in south Norfolk who were abused by their headmaster over a 30-year period, said the ex-students at St George’s had a strong civil case.

“The conviction is a hurdle crossed and a huge claim will follow.

“The claim would fall against St George’s School if it had an insurance policy. It need not matter that the school has closed down. A claim could also be made against the perpetrator so if Derek Slade has any money or assets, he could have those taken away from him.”