'Predatory' ex-Trinity Grammar teacher Neil Albert Futcher sentenced to 18 years' jail for sex abuse

A former Trinity Grammar school teacher who sexually abused six boys has been sentenced to 18 years and four months in prison.

Neil Albert Futcher was found guilty of sexually abusing the boys, who were as young as 11, between 1974 and 1981 when he was their teacher and swimming coach.

He was found guilty of 22 offences, including eight counts of buggery and 10 counts of indecent assault, at a jury trial.

Judge Girdham said the man had been "predatory, systematic, corrupting, sustained" in his offending and needed to be made accountable.

Futcher was handed down a non-parole period of 11 years and will be eligible for release in 2027.

The trial heard Futcher organised holidays with students during which he raped them, and also took photos of at least one boy he sexually abused and threatened to show them to the child's family and friends.

It was alleged victims were often shown pornography before being assaulted.