The sentencing of a former prep school teacher who admitted sexually abusing children over a period of four years has been adjourned. 

Stuart McCulloch, 56, of Walthamstow, was due to be sentenced today at Snaresbrook Crown Court but was delayed due to an earlier court case over-running.

On May 12, he pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault, six counts of indecency with a child, one charge of sexual assault on a child aged under 13 and two counts of possession of indecent images of a child.

McCulloch molested a child aged 11 between February 2000 and February 2004 and forced him to perform sex acts. 

He also admitted sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl between October 2010 and January 2011.

McCulloch taught at Snaresbrook Preparatory School, in Woodford Road, between 2000 and this year.

The offences do not relate to pupils at the school.

In a statement, headteacher Christohper Curl  said: "The school is aware that Stuart McCulloch, a former teacher at Snaresbrook Prep School, is shortly to be sentenced in relation to charges of gross indecency and indecent assault.

"It is important to note that the police have confirmed that there is no investigation in relation to the school, its staff or pupils. 

"There are no allegations or charges which relate to Mr McCulloch's role as a teacher at Snaresbrook Prep School.

"Neither the school nor the staff were aware of any issue relating to the charges before or during Mr McCulloch's employment by the school until the police involvement leading to his arrest. 

"The school wishes to take this opportunity to confirm that all relevant checks were undertaken in relation to Mr McCulloch's appointment." 

McCulloch sparked a missing person search two days after being charged with the sex offences on February 15.  

He fled to Eastbourne in East Sussex but was arrested on March 14 after police found child pornography at his home.

The 56-year-old remanded in custody, will appear for sentencing on Friday.