A FORMER deputy headmaster of a special needs school raped and indecently assaulted vulnerable pupils with behavioural problems, a court heard.

Lawrence Giardelli, 58, who taught at Hengrove School, in St Leonards, near Wendover, denies two counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault during his time at the school almost 20 years ago.

Reading Crown Court heard this week how Giardelli, now of Bosherston, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, carried out sex acts on three school girls, aged 14 and 15, in their dormitory beds and the swimming pool at the school, which has since closed.

One of the girls was also said to have been indecently assaulted in a swimming pool at High Wycombe before being raped later the same day back at the school.

Martin Wilson QC, prosecuting, said Giardelli told his young victims they were "special" and thought he could get away with the attacks because his victims were vulnerable and had behavioural problems.

He added: "Giardelli was plainly attracted to some of the girls and took advantage of them."

The court heard how an investigation into Giardelli was launched in 1999 after one of his alleged victims, now an adult, decided she had to tell the police what had happened during her time at the school.

The case continues.