A former Auckland principal has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years prison for sexual abuse of a young student

Joseph Jacob Moncarz , known as Joey to students at Deep Green Bush School in Clevedon, was sentenced in Manukau District Court today.

During his trial he called the victim a liar, but later admitted wrongdoing.

He sought a lesser sentence due to remorse - but this wasn't given.

The judge also ordered that Moncarz be added to the Child Sex Offender Register for life.