A paediatrician who sexually abused boys in his care at a Cambridgeshire hospital has today been jailed for 22 years.

Dr Myles Bradbury pleaded guilty to 25 charges against a total of 18 victims in September.

Cambridge Crown Court heard the consultant paediatrician committed the offences against boys entrusted to his care at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.

The victims ranged in age from eight to 17 and suffered from illnesses including cancer and blood disorders.

Bradbury, 41, of The Street, Herringswell, Bury St Edmunds, was jailed and placed on the sex offenders register for life. He was also made subject of a sexual offences prevention order for life.

Det Supt Gary Ridgway said: “This case has understandably caused distress to many people.

“Bradbury was highly respected and revered by the families of his victims who trusted him implicitly.

“But he betrayed that trust in an appalling way, by carrying out examinations purely for his own sexual gratification.

“The investigation into his crimes was complex and challenging and I want to acknowledge the support provided by Cambridge University Hospitals in order to gather the evidence to bring this case to court.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the victims and their families who have shown great bravery in coming forward and ensuring Bradbury was held to account.”

Bradbury pleaded guilty to:

• 12 counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15,

• Seven counts of sexually assaulting a boy under 13 by touching,

• Three counts of causing or inciting a boy aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity,

• One count of voyeurism – recording a private act, and

• Two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child.

The offences, all against boys, took place between 2009 and 2013.

More than 16,000 indecent images of children were also found on a disk in Bradbury’s home.

Bradbury was suspended by the NHS in November last year after a victim spoke to a member of his family about what had happened. Police were notified and he was arrested in December.

He was charged with 11 offences in June but more counts were added to the indictment in August after further victims came forward following publicity.

Dr Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said: “Our thoughts today are with our patients and families who were victims of Bradbury’s shocking and cynical abuse.

“Today’s sentencing of Bradbury cannot undo the damage he caused but he is finally behind bars and is no longer a risk to vulnerable children.

“The lengthy sentence shows Bradbury’s abhorrent betrayal and manipulation of his position as a doctor has been fully recognised.”