13th Jul 2017

Christ's Hospital School near Horsham in the News

Allegations of historic sexual abuse have been the subject of numerous criminal investigations in recent years.  Several notable institutions have been implicated including the Church, The Scout Association and now a leading Boarding School near Horsham in West Sussex. 

Christ’s Hospital is one of the oldest boarding schools in England.  In 1552 King Edward VI founded the original school in Newgate Street, London and provided food, clothing, lodging and ‘a little learning for fatherless children and other poor men’s children’.  Girls were admitted from the beginning, although by 1902 the boys from both the London and Hertford schools transferred to a new site in Horsham, and the school at Hertford became a girls-only school. In 1985 the Hertford site was closed and the girls transferred to Horsham, once again to form a co-educational school.

Christ’s Hospital is a Christian institution dedicated to “providing a stable background and boarding education of high standard to boys and girls, having regard especially to children of those families in social, financial or other need”.

During the 80’s four former teachers are alleged to have been involved in sexual assaults of pupils. 

Following complaints and a subsequent police investigation four men were arrested last November. Jayne Cioffi, senior crown prosecutor in the CPS South East’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said the men will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 9 August 2017.

The accused, all former teachers at Christ’s Hospital school, face a total of 36 counts relating to alleged offences between 1980 and 1996.

Peter Webb, 74, is charged with six counts of indecent assault on a male.

Gary Dobbie, 66, is charged with seven counts of indecent assault on a male, one count of attempted indecent assault on a male and three of indecent assault on a female.

James Husband, 67, faces four counts of rape and five of indecent assault on a female.

If convicted the school may well face claims for compensation from the victims.

Robsonshaw solicitors specialise in historic sexual abuse claims and have successfully won compensation for numerous survivors of sexual abuse within schools.  They have notable victories in cases involving teachers in both private and state schools.  If you would to speak to a specialist solicitor on a free, confidential and no obligation basis, please contact Samantha Robson on sam@robsonshaw.uk, or call her direct on 01392 345 331.

Category: Schools