DAVID CASSELL FROM MERRIOTT AND TAWSTOCK JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AT SCHOOL NEAR BARNSTAPLE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Merriott and Tawstock, David Cassell, a man aged 56, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences committed nearly two decades ago. The offences took place during his tenure as headmaster of St Michael's Preparatory School, located in Tawstock, a village near Barnstaple, between the years 1979 and 1982.

Following a detailed three-week trial, the jury returned a verdict that convicted Cassell on five counts of indecent assault and gross indecency involving a nine-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. These allegations stemmed from incidents that occurred while he was in a position of significant authority and trust at the school. The court also heard that Cassell was acquitted on an additional five counts related to two other pupils who had accused him of similar misconduct, but these charges did not result in a conviction.

Judge Samuel Wiggs presided over the sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court. In his remarks, he emphasized the gravity of Cassell’s breach of trust, stating, “You were in a position of very considerable trust in relation to the children and the parents, and you abused that trust.” The judge acknowledged the emotional toll on Cassell’s family but underscored the importance of considering the suffering inflicted upon the victims.

It was also revealed during the proceedings that Cassell, who left his role as head of St Michael’s in 1986, had been ordered by the court to have his name registered on the sex offenders’ list. The court was informed that since his arrest last year, Cassell, residing on Lower Street in Merriott, Somerset, had attempted to take his own life twice and had been diagnosed with clinical depression.

Representing Cassell, lawyer David Crigman QC, highlighted that his client’s previously unblemished 30-year record had been irreparably damaged by the conviction. Crigman also noted that Cassell and his wife had lost their employment at Bickley Park School in Surrey as a consequence of the case, adding to the personal toll of the proceedings.