ANDREW WITHAM SENTENCED IN ROBERTSBRIDGE FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG BOYS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Andrew Witham, a 47-year-old man residing in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of serious sexual offences involving minors. The proceedings took place at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, March 31, where the court heard details of the disturbing allegations against him.

Witham, who is known to have worked as a music teacher for over two decades at private preparatory schools in Kent and South East London, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the exploitation of young boys. His criminal record includes nine counts of creating indecent images of children, two counts of taking such images, and a charge of paying for sexual services of a boy via the internet. Additionally, he was convicted of engaging in sexual activities in the presence of a minor through online communication, as well as causing a child to perform a sexual act over the internet.

During the court proceedings, Witham pleaded guilty to these charges, which stemmed from offences committed both at his current residence in Robertsbridge and at a previous address in South East London. The offences involving indecent images were linked to photographs he took of two boys in adjacent premises while living in London. The other offences, primarily internet-based, involved befriending boys online and engaging in inappropriate conduct.

It was also revealed that Witham had paid for sexual services from a minor via the internet, further highlighting the severity of his actions. Despite the extensive charges, he maintained a not guilty plea to a separate allegation of sexual assault on a child in London in 2008; however, this charge was ordered to remain on the court file without further proceedings.

In response to his crimes, the court sentenced Witham to two years in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period. Furthermore, he was designated as a registered sexual offender for life, a status that imposes strict monitoring and restrictions. As part of his sentence, Witham was also served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which severely limits his access to children and restricts his use of computers until further notice from the court.

It is important to note that none of the offences involved local children or pupils from the schools where he previously taught. The crimes were primarily internet-based and involved boys he befriended online. Witham, who offers private music lessons, had a long-standing career in education and community involvement, including participation in church activities in London. His actions have now led to significant legal consequences and ongoing restrictions designed to protect the public from further harm.