2000: FORMER HEAD SENTENCED OVER SEX ATTACK ON PUPIL
Colin Wheeler, a former headmaster of Bredon School, was given a nine-month prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a male student under his supervision.Judge David McEvoy of Hereford Crown Court addressed Wheeler, who led the school, stating that he had betrayed the trust of the victim and that imprisonment was necessary.
At the age of 43, Wheeler was found to have exploited the boy for sexual satisfaction and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a decade.
The victim, whose identity is protected by law, recounted to the court that Wheeler had pretended to take body measurements with a tape measure.
Wheeler, the school's rugby coach, was acquitted of three other counts of indecent assault, while the jury could not reach verdicts on nine additional charges.
Throughout the nine-day trial, Wheeler denied all 13 charges and was also cleared of a 14th count.
Wheeler had been employed at Bredon School since 1979, ultimately becoming headmaster, until he was suspended in 1998 and resigned the following month.
The judge criticized Wheeler's apparent lack of remorse and regret.
The allegations involved eight male pupils, with Wheeler claiming that measuring was related to weight training activities.
Police interviews indicated that he denied any improper conduct during questioning.
Defense lawyer Mark Evans highlighted Wheeler’s extensive career in teaching, which was now irreparably damaged, and stressed his commitment to his role.
The school authorities said they worked closely with social services to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
