A RETIRED teacher from Petersfield has been convicted of serious sexual assaults against 12 women who were children in his class during the 1970s.

Timothy Ernest Edward Bleach, aged 76, of Hazel Walk, Broadway Park, Petersfield, formerly of Rogate and Headley was charged on Thursday, February 11, 2016, with 71 counts of criminal acts involving a number of girls under the age of 13 years whilst he was a teacher at Weyford Junior School in Bordon, between September 1973 and December 1980.

He was today (Wednesday, December 14) convicted of 56 counts, following a trial by jury at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Mr Bleach will be sentenced at the same court tomorrow (Thursday, December 15).

Detective Inspector Jim Park, leading the investigation, said:

“Mr Bleach was in a position of trust and abused that trust over and over again. This has been a long and difficult investigation and his not guilty pleas meant that each of the victims had to face the ordeal of giving evidence at trial.

“They have shown remarkable bravery and courage throughout the investigation, and we are pleased that justice has been served. I would urge any other victims who have suffered such abuse to make contact with us. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Carole Quinn, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) from Yellow Door based in Southampton, said: “It takes an enormous amount of courage for victims to give evidence at a trial and report these types of offences.

“They often do so not just to see justice being done but in the interests of protecting others.”

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.

For more details about Hampshire Constabulary’s approach to preventing and investigating child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse, please visit our website.