A HEAD teacher found guilty of five cases of sexual abuse on former pupils has been jailed for 30 months.
Geoffrey Hoare, 53, who was head at Winns Infant School, Fleeming Road, Walthamstow, when allegations emerged last November, admitted molesting five young girls aged between seven and 11 at three primary schools over a six year period between 1976 and 1982.
According to statements given by three people involved in the earliest attacks at Thomas Gamuel School, Colchester Road, Walthamstow, and the Leverton School, Waltham Abbey, Hoare would engineer situations where he would be alone with them, then make them sit on his knee so that he could touch them.
He would ask them not to tell anyone about their “little secret”, adding “you’re special”, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.
Despite allegations by the girls, Hoare used his reputation as a star teacher known for his ability to turn difficult schools around to convince the girls’ parents that he had done nothing, leaving the children to be branded liars.
He escaped prosecution through a lack of evidence, but was the subject of a fresh police investigation following allegations by a former pupil last year.
When Hoare was asked to go to Leyton police station for an interview in January, he failed to turn up and was subsequently found in a hotel where he had attempted to commit suicide.
He was charged with seven offences of indecent assault against girls under the age of 14, but he failed to answer bail on April 9, though he gave himself up on the day a Crimewatch appeal to trace him was broadcast.
Judge Simon Wilkinson sentenced Hoare to two consecutive sentences of 15 months for two assaults and nine month sentences for each of the other three, to be served concurrently. He will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Judge Wilkinson said: “You expressly admitted that your conduct was persistent. You were either their teacher or head teacher and your conduct constituted a gross breach of trust.”
Speaking outside court, investigating officer DC Jenny Shepherd, of the Woodford Child Protection Unit, said: “The result reflects the bravery of the victims. Those who have suffered similar ordeals should now be encouraged to report these crimes.”
A council spokesman said: “The highest standards of professional behaviour are expected from everyone working with young children.
“Our policies are based on national guidance and all staff are fully aware of the standards of behaviour expected of them and this includes a clear understanding that ‘touching’ children is simply not acceptable.”
