An “arrogant” and “domineering” former deputy headteacher who indecently assaulted young schoolgirls across two decades is facing a lengthy jail sentence.

On Friday, Grahame Brennand, 71, was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of 26 offences of sexual assault against nine victims, said Lancashire Police.

The defendant was convicted in January at a trial at the same court of 17 sexual assaults against 13 girls.

All the girls were taught by Brennand at St John’s Primary School in Baxenden, Lancashire.

Police said the actual number of offences committed by Brennand between 1973 and 1989 was close to 200, as many of the counts on both indictments included multiple assaults on the girls aged between seven and 11.

Prosecutor Robert Golinski told both juries that Brennand “could be something of a disciplinarian, a domineering figure and many of the children were frightened of him”.

He added that the defendant mainly wore sports clothing as he inappropriately and sexually touched his victims and was an “arrogant individual”.

Among his methods was to lean over the desks of pupils and press his groin into their back, while on other occasions girls were required to stand in front of him or to sit on  his knee where he would take the opportunity to fondle them.

Brennand also created situations outside of the classroom to commit his abuse, either at swimming sessions or at a first aid club he started – which only seemed to consist of girls and which inexplicably required them to be in gym clothes.

On Friday the defendant, of Calder Avenue, Preston, was also convicted of three counts of historical child cruelty against two male pupils.

Following the verdicts, investigating officer Keith Hill said: “First and foremost I commend the victims’ bravery in coming forward and re-living their ordeals in order to give evidence.

“It has been a long and emotional journey for everyone concerned that was made all the more challenging by the defendant’s claim that the victims had somehow colluded to invent all of the allegations.

“Grahame Brennand is a devious and arrogant man that took advantage of his position to abuse many children in his care and to carry out his perverted sexual interest in young girls, abuse which continued over many years.

“These convictions are due to the determination and courage of everyone involved in the investigation and hopefully will offer some closure for all those abused by Brennand over the years.

“Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to investigating offences of this nature, no matter how historic, and we would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.”

Brennand will be sentenced on October 12.