ALLEGATIONS of historic sexual and physical abuse dating back to the 1970s at the former Rhydd Court School in Hanley Castle have seen eight people charged
It follows an investigation by West Mercia Police into allegations of abuse at the Worcestershire school between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
The Crown Prosecution Service has now revealed all the charges relate to alleged offences during the period when the premises was owned by the local authority.
The site since been sold and there is no link between the investigation and charges to anyone connected with the premises since it was sold.
Those charged are aged between 50 and 82 and are based across the country. They will appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on August 4.
Mark Paul, from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Crown Prosecution Service authorised West Mercia Police to charge the defendants following careful consideration of the evidence they presented to us as a result of their ongoing investigation.
“Criminal proceedings against the defendants are now active, and they have a right to a fair trial.
The men and women charged with offences include Cynthia Moore, 81, of Diddies, Bude, who has been charged with offences including conspiracy to commit indecent assault and child cruelty.
John Dixon, 82, of Storeys Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness, has been charged with offences including six counts of indecent assault and two counts of conspiracy to commit child cruelty.
Michael Connor, 69, of Bedford Farm Court, Crofton, Wakefield, will face charges including three counts of conspiracy to commit indecent assault, indecent assault, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and conspiracy to commit child cruelty.
Terence Heath, 74, of Hanley Castle, Worcester, is facing two counts of indecent assault among other charges.
Anita Gunning, 59, of Federation Road, Plymouth, is charged with two counts of indecent assault, conspiracy to indecent assault and conspiracy to commit child cruelty.
David Sykes, 75, of Gallow Tree Road, Rotherham, Charmaine James, 61, of West Scotstown, Rathven, Buckie and Marie Burston, 50, of Eckington Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury, will also face charges.
The NSPCC has set up a helpline for anyone to pass information on or would like help and support. Call 0844 8921 026 or e-mail [email protected].
