PATRICK DUNPHY'S HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN BOREHAM, HORNCHURCH, HUTTON, AND WICKFORD

In April 2000, Patrick Dunphy, a 46-year-old teacher with a disturbing history of sexual misconduct involving young girls, was sentenced to a 10-month imprisonment. His crimes spanned multiple locations including Boreham, Hornchurch, Hutton, and Wickford, where he exploited his position of trust to commit heinous acts against vulnerable children.

Dunphy, who was once regarded by many pupils as their 'favourite teacher,' had a career that extended over two decades, during which he served in various schools. At one point, he held the position of deputy headmaster, a role that made his subsequent misconduct even more egregious. The court heard that his inappropriate behavior first surfaced at Long Ridings Primary School in Hutton, where he abused his authority to assault girls aged between eight and 11.

According to prosecutor Peter Lodder, Dunphy would often coerce young girls into changing into football kits in store cupboards, where he would then touch, tickle, and cuddle them inappropriately. Some victims were reduced to tears after he touched them under their school blouses, attempting to tickle them but inadvertently touching their breasts. These incidents were not isolated, as police investigations revealed similar allegations at other schools where Dunphy had worked.

One such school was Scotts Primary in Hornchurch, where girls reported being instructed to dress in football gear despite the absence of a girls' team. The court was told that Dunphy’s bizarre behavior continued at Hilltop Junior School on Hill Avenue in Wickford, where he again asked young girls to remove their tops and wear football shirts during lunch breaks, often when the school was quiet.

The court heard that Dunphy’s misconduct was often carried out during lunch hours, taking advantage of the quiet periods to carry out his inappropriate actions. As police intensified their inquiries, Dunphy disappeared to Ireland for several weeks. Upon his return, he was cautioned by authorities, to which he responded with a simple, “Yes, OK, fair enough.”

During the trial, Dunphy pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault and four counts of common assault. His defense lawyer, Sarah Buckingham, presented a letter from Dunphy in which he expressed remorse for his actions. In the letter, he apologized to the parents and victims, acknowledging the pain he caused and begging for forgiveness. Dunphy also expressed hope that the children would eventually recover from their ordeal and lead happy, normal lives.

Judge Philip Clegg sentenced Dunphy to ten months in prison and ordered that he be placed under strict probation supervision for two years following his release. Additionally, Dunphy’s name will be added to the national sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court was attended by more than 30 parents, who listened in silence as the details of Dunphy’s misconduct were revealed, highlighting the profound breach of trust and the lasting impact on the victims involved.