William Lloyd-Lavery, 77, from Richmond Avenue in Lisburn, received a two-year prison sentence at Belfast Crown Court. Judge Patrick Lynch KC imposed the term for six counts of indecent assault on four girls. The offences occurred between 1976 and 1978 at Richmond Lodge School on Malone Road in south Belfast.

Lloyd-Lavery taught history at the girls' grammar school. The victims were aged around 13 at the time. He was found guilty by a jury in January 2026 after denying the charges. He attended a police station voluntarily on November 16, 2022, for interview and rejected all allegations.

The court heard impact statements from victims now in their 60s. One described ongoing trauma from the events 50 years prior. Another reported hiding in groups of girls between lessons out of fear. A third victim spoke of shame, sleep issues, and sleeping on a mattress in her parents' room for months.

During the trial, two counts of gross indecency were withdrawn on a point of law. The jury returned not guilty verdicts on two indecent assault counts. Judge Lynch directed a not guilty finding on one count due to evidence.

Lloyd-Lavery will serve ten years on the Sex Offenders Register. Detective Inspector Kelly Foley of the PSNI called him an opportunist who exploited his position of trust. She noted an average of 76 monthly referrals for non-recent child abuse across Northern Ireland over the past five years.

Foley stated the sentencing shows time does not prevent justice. Three victims urged others to report abuse. The PSNI and Public Prosecution Service commended the women's bravery in coming forward.