A youth worker who sexually abused boys in the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed for six-and-a-half years following a cold case investigation.

Paedophile Edward Wright, 52, from Streatham, was convicted and sentenced on Tuesday at the Old Bailey.

An investigation was launched by the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Command after a victim came forward alleging he had been attacked as a child.

After identifying Wright as the suspect, detectives got a warrant to search his home and seized a computer that he admitted contained indecent images of children.

Other items were discovered including spanking books, amyl nitrate and a semi-naked photograph of a youth.

During the inquiry officers also linked an unsolved allegation of sexual abuse dating from 1994 to Wright.

Wright, of Hillside Road, pleaded guilty to three indecent assaults on boys under 13, six indecent assaults on boys under 16 and possessing 10 indecent images.

Detective Inspector Justin Armstrong said: “The victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward years after these horrendous attacks.

“Thanks to them and the meticulous work of the officers involved in this cold case investigation Wright has been brought to justice for crimes it is likely he thought he had got away with.

“Without the victims coming forward years after these horrendous attacks it is likely that Wright would have got away with his crimes.

“It is possible he may have committed further crimes and I would therefore urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim to have the confidence to report the incident to police.”

Anyone affected can call police on 020 7230 3314 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.