A former primary school groundskeeper has been jailed for sexually abusing a schoolgirl four decades ago.

Robert MacLennan, 70, from Romford was sentenced to 15 years in prison for carrying out the abuse at an Islington primary school in the mid-1980s.

His victim came forward in March 2021 and reported that she had been raped and sexually assaulted by an older man who was the groundskeeper at the school.

She said that MacLennan, who lived on the school site at the time, abused her over a two-year period.

The 70-year-old was arrested by police in April 2021 and admitted sexually assaulting the victim, but denied raping her.

He was ultimately found guilty of two counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault at Snaresbrook Crown Court last year.

He was sentenced at the same court last Wednesday (January 24), and will also remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Sergeant Barbara Siembida, who carried out the investigation, said: "I am pleased the victim of MacLennan’s awful crimes has finally got the justice she deserves.

"He abused his position of trust to target a child and it is right that he now faces a significant time in custody.

"I hope the outcome of this case demonstrates to other victims of non-recent sexual abuse that we take allegations seriously and will follow the evidence to bring offenders to justice."