A MAN is due to appear in court charged with historic sex offences at a Hampshire children’s home.

William John Gillham is due to appear before Southampton Crown Court.

The 64-year-old was charged on Wednesday with 15 counts of indecent assault and other serious sexual offences against boys who were under the age of 16 during the 1980s in Hampshire.

Gillham, whose address is Rue des Fours Ecoine, Deux-Sèvres, France, faces charges relating to alleged offences at the former Palmerston House children’s home on Botley Road, Romsey.

Hampshire police have said that this investigation does not involve any other children’s homes or institutions.

It charges follow inquiries by detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion, investigating non-recent cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse have charged a man with serious sexual offences involving children.

The charges form part of 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.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.