BEN BREAKWELL SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRLS IN HAMMERSMITH, LONDON

Ben Breakwell, a former music teacher based in London, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 17 years after being found guilty of committing a series of serious sexual offences. The crimes, which took place primarily in Hammersmith, west London, occurred between 2014 and 2017 and involved a total of 32 separate charges. Breakwell exploited his trusted position within the school environment to manipulate and groom young girls, many of whom were between the ages of 13 and 16, for his own inappropriate and illegal purposes.

During the course of the investigation and subsequent trial, it was revealed that Breakwell engaged in inappropriate relationships with at least two pupils. In one disturbing incident, he even kissed a third girl on the lips after a lesson, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. Evidence presented during the trial painted a clear picture of a pattern of offending, where Breakwell would often make the first move, only to later claim that the advances were unexpected and that he had enjoyed the interaction. His convictions included 25 counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault, and three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child.

Breakwell’s criminal activities came to light after one of his victims confided in her friends and her mother, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to his arrest in November 2017. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) publicly criticized Breakwell for betraying the trust placed in him by his victims, emphasizing that many of the girls were as young as 13 and 14 at the time of the offences. It was noted that Breakwell was in his early 30s when he began his inappropriate conduct, which he consistently denied during his trial, claiming no sexual activity took place. His actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and have been widely condemned by the authorities and the community alike.