ANDREW TEAGUE SHOCKS HERTFORD AND BISHOP'S STORTFORD WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE REVELATIONS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Hertford and Bishop's Stortford, Andrew Teague, a former choir master and music teacher, has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexually abusing two teenage boys during the mid-1970s. The offences, which took place over four decades ago, only came to light after the victims chose to speak out in 2013, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that had remained hidden for years.

Andrew Teague, now aged 63, was known for his performances with cathedral choirs across England and held the position of master of choristers at Bradford Cathedral. During the period when the offences occurred, he was working as a freelance music teacher and organist, residing in Hertford. The court heard that Teague's misconduct was committed when he was in his early twenties, a time when he was actively involved in teaching and performing music.

The prosecution, led by Sally Mealing-McLeod, detailed how Teague assaulted a 13-year-old boy after being employed by the boy’s parents as a music tutor in Hertford. The victim recounted sitting on a bed with Teague, who then began touching him inappropriately. The abuse escalated to fondling, and on another occasion, Teague performed oral sex on the boy while he was lying on a bed. These incidents left a lasting impact on the victim, who had kept silent for many years before finally reporting the abuse to the authorities.

Further allegations revealed that in the same year, Teague targeted a 14-year-old chorister during a choir tour in Bishop's Stortford. The court heard that Teague indecently assaulted the young chorister while they were traveling on a coach, an incident that added to the gravity of his misconduct. The victims’ silence was broken only after they felt safe enough to come forward, leading to Teague’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Following his arrest, Teague made the decision to leave the UK. He rented out his home in Clayton, Bradford, and relocated with his wife to Rue des Marchands de Vin in Rancon, France. The court proceedings highlighted the long-standing nature of Teague’s offending, which spanned over a decade and a half, and underscored the devastating impact on the victims.

During the sentencing hearing at St Albans Crown Court, Teague’s defense attorney, Antonie Muller, argued that his client was a decent man who had committed these offences many years ago. Muller stated, “He is 63 and these offences 40 years ago are the only offences in his entire life. Deep down he is a decent man, save for these offences he committed all those years ago.” However, the court did not find this argument sufficient to mitigate the seriousness of the crimes, and Teague was sentenced to three years in prison for his actions.

This case has reignited discussions about safeguarding and the importance of reporting abuse, especially within institutions and communities where trust is placed in individuals like Teague. The victims’ courage in coming forward has been praised, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring scars left by such misconduct, even decades after the offences occurred.