Teacher charged with sexual offences

None of the offences he is charged with relate to students at the school, past or present, according to a statement issued this week by the school, at Watery Lane.

Thomas Ceri Boothe, aged 57, of Montgomery Close, Hucclecote, Gloucestershire, will be appear at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, April 17.

He is facing 21 charges, including the taking of indecent images of children.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1990 and 2014, according to a Gloucestershire Police spokesman.

They include seven charges of taking indecent images of children; four of indecent assault; two of penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered male; three of non-penetrative sexual activity with a mentally disordered male'; two charges of outraging public decency and three of possession of indecent images of children.

Parents and carers of students at the school were sent a letter last week, stating "We are deeply saddened to report that a former teacher at Newent Community School and sixth form centre, Mr Boothe, has been charged in relation to sexual offences against an adult and the taking of indecent images of children as well as outraging public decency."

In a statement released this week by Gloucestershire County Council, Kirsten Harrison, Principal of Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre said, “We have informed parents of pupils about this and have reassured them that a thorough investigation, completed by the police, showed no evidence or charges relating to students at the school, past or present.

“As soon as the allegations were brought to our attention the teacher was immediately suspended and his employment terminated.

“We have robust safeguarding procedures in place and have worked closely with the police and the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board.

“Given this is now a criminal matter being dealt with by the courts, it is not appropriate for the school to comment further.”