A QUEENSLAND catholic primary school teacher who raped or indecently dealt with 13 students has been sentenced to ten years jail, but could be out in six.

Gerard Byrnes, 61, of Toowoomba refused to meet the angry glare of parents gathered in the dock of Toowoomba District Court.

Some mothers sobbed audibly as details of his 44 offences were read out describing how he brazenly raped girls at his desk during class.

On two occasions Byrnes called girls back to the classroom at little lunch, pulled down their underwear and performed sex acts on them.

The court also heard how his offending continued for another year after a girl complained to the principal.

Officials from the Catholic Church were in court for the sentencing before Judge Sarah Bradley.

He has already served 23 months in pre-sentence custody.

Originally published as Teacher raped girls at his desk