PAST pupils of a school in Widnes have revealed what life was like in the classroom with a former chemistry teacher who has since been uncovered as a paedophile. 

Michael Wilde, of Drake Close, is now serving a two year sentence behind bars after admitting to sexually assaulting two teenage boys while working at Wade Deacon Grammar School in the 1970s.

The 66-year-old was handed the sentence at Chester Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to five counts of indecent assault between September 1972 and July 1974.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were aged 12 and 13 at the time of the assaults. 

Former pupil John Heatley, from Widnes, who attended the school on Birchfield Road between 1987 and 1992, described how Wilde instilled fear into many of his students.

The 39-year-old recalled: "When I joined Wade Deacon, I was a normal kid and I was not scared of anything in my life but everyone was terrified of him.

"I remember seeing one kid outside the classroom crying. He was just horrible and everyone hated him."

Mr Heatley added that his heart goes out to the victims who have bravely made the steps to speak out after years of silence.

He said: "These lads have kept this under wraps and it has probably ruined their lives and all he has got is two years – I think it's disgusting.

"The fear he must have put in them. It’s shattered their lives

"Looking back some people would say he was harsh to get the best out of you – that was just a smoke screen."

Another former pupil, who has asked to remain anonymous, can still vividly remember the anxiety she felt before his lessons. 

She said: "It makes me feel sick to my stomach knowing what was going on.

"I used to dread going to his lessons."

Comments have also been flooding in on social media with many recalling how Wilde would throw items around the classroom in anger.

Many spoke of their disgust following the sentencing, praising the two victims for their courage in coming forward.