THE former principal of a Worcestershire children's home, who molested five girls in his care, has been jailed for 12 years.

A jury at Worcester Crown Court yesterday convicted 62-year-old Brian Gillam of four counts of rape, five of indecent assault and one of indecency with a girl under 14.

He was cleared of one count of rape and two of indecent assault at the end of the 12-day trial.

The father-of-four was boss of The Uplands in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove, run by Birmingham social services.

He attacked girls aged from 13 to 15 between 1976 and 1984. They were abused in a bungalow in the home's grounds - which he shared with his first wife and two sons - in an office, dormitories, the TV room, his car, and even in Bromsgrove's public swimming baths.

Judge Michael Mott told partly-disabled Gillam he had displayed a predilection for young girls and was guilty of "a vile breach of trust".

It was impossible to believe that other staff did not realise what was going on. It was "staggering" that people did not speak out.

One victim, now 41, alleged that Gillam - of Churchfields, Sidemoor, Bromsgrove - twice made her pregnant and paid for her two abortions.

She told how they had sex on the Lickey Hills after playing hide-and-seek in the ferns. She also claimed they made love on a camping trip to Cornwall, and in a caravan.

Three-times wed Gillam eventually let her live at his bungalow, but complaints from staff led to demotion.

Police moved on to Gillam's trail after one former resident went to police last year.

Other victims, who had kept silent for decades, were then traced and interviewed in Operation Orchid.

It emerged that Gillam invited girls to his bungalow where they were allowed to smoke, drink alcohol and play music.

Rachel Brand QC, prosecuting, said he was "grooming" them for later sex attacks, some of which happened in the bungalow's bedroom.

"He manipulated these girls for his own sexual gratification."

Gillam, a former butcher who is blind in one eye, claimed the victims invented complaints to win compensation.

James Burbidge QC, defending, said Gillam's health had deteriorated after his Land Rover overturned in Africa.

He had a back problem, had trouble walking and fell regularly. His speech had also been affected.

Mr Burbidge said Gillam's children would feel the verdicts very keenly and have to bear the burden of his incarceration.