Ronan Leslie attended St Michael's School at Ingoldisthorpe between 1948 and 1957.

Mr Leslie, now 86, was among those caned by the Rev Roger Pott, who set up the school and was its head until it closed in 1969.

But the businessman, who now owns a residential chalet park near his alma mater, does not share the views of those who have come forward years after Pott's death in 1992, who complain they were abused.

Ronan Leslie, a former pupil at St Michael's School (Image: Chris Bishop)

"He did have a slightly sadistic attitude but he was a disciplinarian," he said. "Yes, he did cane two boys a little bit too much and he shouldn't have done but we all had to face up to discipline.

"When I see the behaviour of children these days I wonder if they should bring discipline back and caning as well."

Mr Leslie, who owns........

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