Victor Madeley, 81, appeared to be a pillar of his town and a role model to the young boys in his Church of England Society group – but deep down he was a relentless sex fiend.

More than 30 years after his heinous acts, the extent of his actions were revealed to Wagga District Court on Friday. 

It highlights the fall from grace for the once-popular Madeley, who used his position to prey on the boys he was trusted to care for and nurture.

A former resident, who moved to Ulladulla from the Riverina town, said his uncle has suffered a “twisted mind” and a “broken spirit” since being abused by Madeley in the 70s.

“He’s been a lost human being for the last 20 years,” the man, who could not be named for legal reasons, said of his uncle. 

“He has been suffering acute anxiety and severe depression for the past two decades and he simply will not talk to anyone now.

“Disgusting criminals like this need to be exposed before they can ruin more lives."

The Daily Advertiser is unable to reveal the name of the Riverina town where the 81-year-old lived in order to protect the identity of his six known victims.

Agreed facts tendered to court on Friday detailed how many of the offences took place in Madeley’s car after he drove his victims out of town.

After abusing one boy, Madeley said: “If you tell anybody, I will tell them it was your idea and you are gay.”

He told the boy after another molestation: “If you keep your mouth shut this will never happen again.”

He was locked behind bars after pleading guilty to 15 offences against boys aged under 16.

Bishop Stuart Robinson, current Bishop of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, acknowledged the significant failure of the church and apologised for the decades of pain. 

“I apologise unreservedly to all those who have been affected by such offenders,” he said in a statement.

“I have a firm resolve that our procedures should provide justice and care for victims.”