A TEACHER from Largs faces a lengthy spell behind bars after being convicted for a second time of horrific child abuse at an Ayrshire residential school.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how Matthew George, 73, and care worker John Muldoon, 69, carried out a sickening catalogue of physical and sexual abuse against 28 young victims that spanned three decades.

Former art teacher George, from Largs, was convicted of 39 offences while Muldoon, from Irvine, who worked in the school's secure unit, was found guilty of 16 crimes.

Jurors heard how physical and sexual attacks were 'rife', with children too scared to report their ordeals at the time.

The pair had previously been jailed in 2006 for abuse at the school, with George locked up for 10 years and Muldoon for two-and-a-half.

But they returned to the dock amid fresh allegations, which saw them convicted after a two-month trial.

The pair were remanded in custody as judge Lady Drummond warned them they would face lengthy sentences in the New Year.

She added: "You have been convicted of charges involving sexual and physical abuse on children in your care over several decades. You will be sent to prison for a significant period of time."

The school - run by Strathclyde Regional Council and then Glasgow City Council - closed in 2006.

Victims - with much of the evidence recorded and played before jurors - spoke of being abused by George there and at his home in Largs.

As well as disturbing sexual abuse, the court heard of physical violence which included children being put down holes while also being punched and hit.

Prosecutor Paul Kearney KC said the evidence the court had heard from a number of the pair's alleged victims painted 'a picture of routine violence'.

George - who also taught physical education - was described by one as the 'leader of the boys'.

Mr Kearney described how a former Kerelaw employee said that members of staff would line up boys in the gym hall and hit them with golf balls.

In the witness box George said: "It did not happen."

The advocate depute replied: "This was a pretty clear sign things were rotten at Kerelaw, don't you agree?"

George repeated: "It did not happen."

The court also heard how one boy was booted on the ankles shortly after he recovered from breaking them weeks earlier while another was kept in the cells of the secure unit area of the school for more than a fortnight after being assaulted.

George also denied taking victims to his home - some who could vividly recall what it looked like.

But, Matthew George claimed it was "common knowledge" where he stayed.

After the verdicts, Mr Kearney said eight victims had written statements about their ordeals for Lady Drummond to read.

Muldoon winked to relatives as he was led handcuffed to the cells, while George waved to those with him.

They will be sentenced on January 13 in Livingston.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Ross Black of Police Scotland, said: “I would like to thank everyone who came forward to police during this investigation.

"Their engagement, bravery and commitment helped secure the verdict.

“We hope that people can now be confident in coming forward to police knowing that no matter the passage of time, justice like today’s verdict has underpinned what can be achieved.

“Police Scotland is committed to identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for these crimes.

“We are, and will continue, to investigate all aspects of child abuse in these former residential care establishments, and I would urge anyone who may have experienced abuse at the school but not yet come forward to police to do so.”