8th Oct 2024

David Pickthall pleads guilty at his first hearing

Former head of music at Brentwood school who was also a choirmaster in the borough of Havering yesterday admitted 37 counts of sexual offences at Colchester Magistrates Court.  24 of the counts relate to indecent assault; 10 of the counts were observing a person doing a private act and there were 3 counts of making an indecent image of a child.  Pickthall will inevitably be facing a prison sentence for his offences which span more than four decades when he is sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court. The sentencing hearing should take place in November.

Pickthall was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to education and charity. He retired from Brentwood school in 2014.  The now disgraced musician also had a successful career as a musical director working for Channel 4 and producing music for the Tracey Beaker show, amongst other musical accomplishments.

Robson Shaw solicitors are already acting on behalf of a number of former pupils at Brentwood school and potential claimants.  Samantha Robson has over 25 years experience pursuing historic sexual abuse claims on behalf of survivors. She has particular expertise in handling high profile cases concerning schools. 

If you have been affected by this scandal please contact Sam on her direct dial, 01392 345 331 , or email her at sam@robsonshaw.uk.  If you would prefer to speak to Robert who is also representing claimants who attended Brentwood School, please email him on robert@robsonshaw.uk or call him on 01392 345 332. We are offering no win no fee agreements and we are more than happy to speak to you about your potential claim on a confidential, free and no obligation basis.

Category: Schools