A former housemaster at a school in East Sussex has been jailed for 20 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences against children dating back to the 1970s.
Raymond Langley, 76, of Clarendon Road, Hove, was the housemaster and bursar at the now-closed Tylehurst School in Forest Row when he carried out the abuse between 1977 and 1979.
The investigation began in 2021 after a man came forward to report being sexually abused by Langley at the school in 1979. Detectives from Sussex Police identified two victims — both now men in their 50s and 60s — who described suffering repeated sexual assaults at the hands of Langley.
One victim told police that Langley would shower with students and invite some to sleep in his room under the guise of helping them “avoid bullies”, before sexually abusing them. Another reported being shown pornographic material by Langley before being assaulted.
Both victims received specialist support after disclosing the offences, prompting a detailed investigation.
In June 2024, Langley was charged with four counts of buggery of a boy under 16, four counts of indecent assault, and eight counts of indecency with a child.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court took just two hours to find Langley guilty of all charges on 22 September 2025. He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 10 October, to 20 years in prison.
Recorder Ms Q Whitaker branded Langley a “coward” who preyed on vulnerable boys and forced his victims to relive their trauma by giving evidence in court while he refused to take the stand. She praised the victims for their courage in coming forward.
Detective Constable Jo Gledhill, who led the investigation, said:
“Raymond Langley targeted vulnerable young boys who sought his help, abusing their trust in the most despicable ways.
Both of these victims have carried the trauma of his crimes throughout their lives, and the bravery they have shown in reporting to the police cannot be overstated.
I would like to thank both of them for coming to us, supporting this investigation, and giving the evidence at court that has brought a predator to justice.”
Detective Inspector Steve Shimmons added:
“This outcome should send a message to victims and offenders that no matter how long ago offences took place, we will take action.
It is never too late to report – if you are a victim, please come forward.”
Add your first comment to this post