The former head of mathematics at Sydney's elite Scots College has been given a suspended sentence, "but only just", for indecently assaulting three students during an excursion in the Australian outback more than 25 years ago.
John Joseph Beckett, 76, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault relating to one boy aged 13 and two aged 14 in the 1980s.
In the South Australian District Court on Friday Judge Peter Brebner imposed a sentence of three years and eight months with a non-parole period of two years.
He said there were reasons "but only just" to suspend the terms, placing Beckett on a two-year good behaviour bond.
He described the former teacher's offending as serious, opportunistic and predatory, coming at a time when his victims were isolated from their parents.
The judge said those victims were still profoundly affected by what Beckett did.
"They still bear the psychological scars from your crimes," he said.
Beckett was first interviewed by police in 2010 and charged in 2012, but denied the allegations against him before pleading guilty on the day his trial was due to start.
He is now in poor health after a heart attack 20 years ago and also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks.
Judge Brebner said there was no suggestion Beckett had ever offended against any other children.
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