A special needs teacher who physically and verbally abused autistic children left in his care could be facing jail.

Malcolm Phillips, 51, was yesterday found guilty of nine charges of child cruelty relating to four youngsters aged between ten and 15.

Phillips, of Mowbray Close, Sunderland, was cleared of a further 11 charges after more than ten hours deliberation by a jury.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he cruelly fed the youngsters chilli peppers on several occasions, pushed and slapped a child, hit two youngsters on the head, stood on one youngster's ponytail and even sat on her head.

The court heard how Phillips, who had been a teacher at the school since 1992, referred to the children as "numbnuts" and "muppets".

John Evans, prosecuting, had told the court: "The case against the defendant, in round terms, is that as a senior teacher at the school he subjected some of the children at the school to physical and verbal abuse."

Mr Evans told the court how staff eventually came forward to complain, and Phillips was arrested.

Phillips remained expressionless as the jury delivered their guilty verdicts.

Judge Michael Cartlidge agreed to adjourn the case until Friday for sentence, so defence barristers can find out more about Phillip's background. He said that custody was an option