A FORMER Hampshire teacher has been convicted of 56 sexual offences against children who were in his class.

A court heard that Timothy Ernest Edward Bleach, 76, committed the crimes against the 12 girls, who were all under 13, while he was a teacher at Weyford Junior School between 1973 and 1980.

He was charged as part of Operation Marmion, which is investigating historic cases of child sexual abuse.

Bleach, of Hazel Walk, Broadway Park, Petersfield, is set to be sentenced tomorrow after being found guilty following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.

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.”

Operation Marmion includes a re-examination of available evidence, and the offer of additional support alongside partner agencies to those affected by CSE and abuse.

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.”  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, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.