Victims 'happy' Essex music teacher Thomas Rodgers jailed for sex abuse

Thomas Rodgers was sentenced to four years in prison for historic sexual offences

The victims of sexual assaults said they hoped their story would inspire others to seek justice after their abuser was jailed for four years.

Thomas Rodgers, from Billericay, Essex, was convicted of indecent assault and two offences of indecency with a child.

His victims said the sentencing on 24 January would help them move on after more than 20 years of pain.

"I've never felt so happy, seeing him go away. I stood up and I managed to get justice," one told the BBC.

Rodgers, a 44-year-old music teacher, had abused the youngsters as pre-teens, they said.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after initial delays sparked an apology from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

'Nerve-wracking'

"We've waited a long time for this, about 20 to 25 years of dealing with this emotionally," a victim said.

The survivors, who are now in their 30s, had addressed Rodgers in court by reading victim personal statements, having said it would give them closure.

"It was absolutely nerve-wracking, like really, really nerve-wracking. Only when you get on the stand do you realise how much it affected you," one continued.

"You could feel this pressure behind you knowing they were sitting there listening to you.

"When I saw his face being pushed away and that was it I just felt so happy. That was the moment."

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They said they had "the biggest hug" with the prosecutor after the sentencing.

One added since the hearing they had been contacted by other victims of sexual abuse who wanted to try and secure their own justice.

"The main thing out of this is that anyone who has been harmed, I hope they have the courage to stand up. I stood up and I managed to get justice," they said.

"It was a very emotional situation and I'm now just going to live my life and be as happy as I can be."