CHRISTOPHER MAY STRETTON TEACHER GUILTY OF HISTORICAL ABUSE AT OVERSEAL SCHOOL

In April 2019, a significant case involving allegations of historical abuse at a now-closed special school in Overseal has culminated in a guilty verdict for one of the accused. The defendant, Christopher May, a former teacher at the institution, was found responsible for causing bodily harm to several pupils during the 1970s and 1980s. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of the abuse, which took place at Overseal Manor School, located in Hallcroft Avenue, a facility that served boys aged eight to 14 who faced behavioral challenges or had been expelled from mainstream schools. Some students also resided at the school, which ceased operations in 1997.

During the trial at Derby Crown Court, a jury composed of seven men and five women deliberated for five hours before reaching their verdicts. The court heard testimonies from multiple witnesses who recounted their experiences of abuse inflicted by former staff members. The prosecution presented evidence that Christopher May, now 77, was guilty of three charges of causing actual bodily harm, including hitting one pupil with a chair and punching another in the head. Additionally, he was convicted of punching a child in the nose. However, May was acquitted of seven counts of indecent assault, four counts of attempted serious sexual assault, one count of causing grievous bodily harm, and five counts of causing actual bodily harm. His co-defendant, Terrence Butler, aged 75 and residing on Beech Lane in Stretton, was found not guilty on all charges against him.

Both men faced trial for over three weeks, with the allegations spanning from 1977 to 1985. The charges against Butler included five counts of actual bodily harm and two counts of false imprisonment. Throughout the proceedings, both defendants maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all accusations. The court was informed that May left the school after 14 years, citing the aggressive behavior of the pupils as a reason for his departure. May claimed that he was himself assaulted by students, stating in police interviews, “I am absolutely flabbergasted. There is not an ounce of evidence; I feel it is all a conspiracy. I really don’t know how this came about.”

Similarly, Terrence Butler explained that he left the school due to the stress caused by changes implemented by a new head teacher. When questioned about the assault allegations, Butler denied causing any injuries, asserting, “I never hit anyone or caused injury.” Witnesses who testified in court were also scrutinized regarding their communications, with the defense suggesting that some witnesses fabricated their claims to obtain compensation. One witness was accused of discussing the case via text message, with the message stating, “Had a call from Derbyshire Police,” though he denied any such conversation. Police investigations included examining social media and phone records, but no conclusive evidence of communication about the case was found.

Both defendants received commendations from family members and former colleagues. Judge Nirmal Shant highlighted the positive references, noting that May’s son described him as supportive, generous, and loving. Former colleagues attested to May’s natural rapport with children and his involvement in various activities, while Butler was described as calm, rational, and patient. His son called him a “true gentleman,” and another colleague referred to him as “one of life’s good guys.”

May is scheduled to be sentenced for the three convictions on May 10 at the same court. He has been remanded on conditional bail. Judge Shant emphasized the importance of a pre-sentence report, stating, “You cared for these children and were in a position of trust, and in these circumstances, it would be beneficial to have a pre-sentence report.” The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the historical context of the abuse at Overseal Manor School.