A RETIRED teacher from Petersfield who committed serious sexual assaults against 11 women who were children in his class during the 1970s, has been jailed for 20 years.
Timothy Ernest Edward Bleach, aged 76, of Hazel Walk, Broadway Park, Petersfield, was charged on Thursday, February 11, 2016, with offences involving a number of girls under the age of 13 years which took place whilst he was a teacher at Weyford Junior School in Bordon, between September 1973 and December 1980.
Bleach, also of Rogate and Headley Down was convicted of 56 counts of criminal acts following a trial by jury at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday, December 14.
Today, His Honour Judge Roger Hetherington sentenced Bleach to 20 years in prison at the same court.
Detective Inspector Jim Park, leading the investigation, said:
“The victims in this case have had to endure a long and difficult process through the investigation and subsequent court case, but I am pleased that justice has now been served.
“Mr Bleach - a teacher, and as such a man entrusted to safeguard children - abused his position of trust over and over again by committing these awful acts.
“This was made worse by his not guilty pleas which meant the victims had to relive their experiences in the courtroom.
“Each showed remarkable bravery and courage and I hope this result gives any victim who has suffered abuse of this nature to come forward and talk to us.”
Timothy Bleach was charged as part of Operation Marmion, Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing review of non-recent CSE and abuse cases.
The review includes a re-examination of available evidence, and the offer of additional support alongside partner agencies to those affected by CSE and abuse.
The work of Operation Marmion also involves child protection specialists from local authorities.
Previous victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse or anyone with information can contact Operation Marmion detectives at Hampshire Constabulary’s Southern Training Headquarters at Netley by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101
Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.