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Victims of a depraved pedophile teacher who abused children for decades say they still suffer because of "catastrophic failures" in the education system. Vincent Henry Reynolds, 78, admitted abusing 38 children multiple times starting from the 1960s at primary schools across north and central Victoria. "They can never give him enough for what he's done to us, not just me, it's every bugger. Everyone has suffered, " Brian Jackson said outside court on Thursday, consenting to be identified as a victim. Mr Jackson was eight when Reynolds started abusing him and only came forward after encouragement from his brother. "I don't think he's been punished enough," Mr Jackson said. He said the education department had "a lot to answer" for allowing Reynolds to continue teaching, despite complaints. In the 1980s, a parent complained to the department and Reynolds voluntarily sought psychiatric treatment and took time off work, before resuming teaching. "It is absolutely bloody stupid sending you back to the classroom because you'll just keep on doing it," the psychiatrist told Reynolds after learning of the decision. He molested students while pretending to look at their homework, mark school work or while he was reading to the class. He also targeted some children while the class was watching a film or when a child needed to change clothes. County Court sentencing Judge Gabriele Cannon said it was clear there were systemic failures. "It might well be said there were catastrophic failures in the education system and the justice system - clearly there were - which saw you being able to continue offending," Judge Cannon said. But she said ultimately it was up to Reynolds to stop offending. Victoria's Department of Education and Training said there had been significant reform of child safety standards since Reynolds' offending. "The department apologises unreservedly to former students of Vincent Reynolds for the abuse they have suffered," a spokeswoman told AAP. She said further comment was inappropriate because "there are a number of cases brought by survivors that are currently before the courts". Some of Reynolds' victims told their parents or teachers about the abuse but were not believed or told not to make up lies. Multiple victims spoke of "trauma and the feelings of fear, shame and humiliation" they suffered, the judge noted. Victims jeered as Reynolds was sentenced. "Hope you rot in there you bastard," one man yelled out as Reynolds was led away to prison. The judge praised victims for their courage in coming forward about the allegations. Mr Jackson said the process was worthwhile. "We'll just move forward and get on with our lives and he can just bugger off to jail." Reynolds was jailed for 12 years and must serve at least nine before being eligible for release on parole. Up to 30 victims are planning to sue the Education Department. Australian Associated Press

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