GUILTY: Hampshire schoolteacher convicted of historic sex offences

Timothy Bleach, 76, was charged in February with 71 counts of criminal acts against a number of girls aged under 13 when he taught at Weyford Junior School in Bordon between September 1973 and December 1980.

Bleach, of Petersfield, was today convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of 56 counts against 12 girls.

He will be sentenced at the same court tomorrow.

Detective Inspector Jim Park 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.’

Bleach was charged as part of Operation Marmion, Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing review of non-recent child sexual exploitation and abuse cases.