ROLAND WRIGHT'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE AT CALDICOTT SCHOOL IN FARNHAM ROYAL

In August 2014, a significant legal development unfolded concerning Roland Wright, a former headteacher at Caldicott Boys’ Preparatory School located in Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire. Wright, aged 84 at the time, faced a court battle to challenge his conviction for the heinous abuse of young boys at the school, a place notably attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during his youth.

Wright’s criminal record stems from a series of disturbing incidents that took place over a span of more than a decade, specifically between 1959 and 1970. During this period, he assaulted five pupils whose ages ranged from just eight to thirteen years old. The gravity of his crimes was recognized in a court of law, leading to his sentencing to eight years in prison, a punishment deemed 'manifestly excessive' by his defense, but ultimately upheld by the Court of Appeal in London.

At the appeal hearing, Wright, who was watching proceedings via video link from his incarceration, sought to have his conviction overturned and his sentence reduced. However, the three senior judges presiding over the case—Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Bean, and Mr Justice Foskett—rejected his appeal on all counts. They affirmed that the evidence presented at trial, including the admission of bad character evidence, was correctly admitted by the trial judge. The judges also concurred that the original sentence of eight years was appropriate, considering Wright’s advanced age and health condition. Mr Justice Bean explicitly stated that if Wright had been younger and healthier, a longer sentence might have been justified, but the court believed the sentence was fair given his circumstances.

During the sentencing at Amersham Crown Court, Judge Joanna Cutts described Wright’s actions as prolonged and calculated grooming of vulnerable boys entrusted to his care. She emphasized the betrayal of trust inherent in his role as head of the school, which was responsible for the well-being and safety of its pupils. The judge’s remarks underscored the severity and sustained nature of Wright’s misconduct.

Nick Clegg, who attended Caldicott School from 1974 to 1980 and served as joint head boy in his final year, expressed his shock and horror upon learning of Wright’s conviction in December. Clegg described the betrayal as a gross violation of childhood innocence and shared his dismay at the revelation that such abuse had occurred at a school he once attended. He stated, “I am shocked and appalled by the gross betrayal and violation of childhood innocence that has been shown to have taken place.”

Wright’s criminal activities came to light after a lengthy investigation, which also revealed that he had run the school’s rugby team and would often reward favored boys with trips in his sports car. Allegations detailed how he would invite boys to his bedsit to watch television and drink whisky, and at night, he would secretly take them from their dormitories to his private room—described as his “own little fiefdom used to abuse boys.” The court heard that Wright exploited the boys’ desire for attention and praise, selecting certain pupils for his inappropriate and sexual attentions.

Victim Tom Perry, now aged 60, was the first to come forward in 2001 and was a key witness during Wright’s trial. Perry expressed his feelings after the sentencing, stating, “I think it sends a very strong message to those people who are abusers of children, that you can get to the age of 83 and get eight years. I’m pleased with the sentence only for that reason.” Perry’s testimony and the bravery of other victims played a crucial role in securing Wright’s conviction.

In addition to Wright, another former teacher at Caldicott School, John Addrison, aged 54 from Slough, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to indecent assault and indecency with a child. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court in November 2012 and is also required to register as a sex offender for life.

Wright’s conviction marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to address historical child abuse within educational institutions. Thames Valley Police, represented by Detective Sergeant Joe Banfield, acknowledged the vital role played by victims and witnesses who bravely came forward, stating, “This result would not have occurred without the support of the many victims and witnesses in this case, who bravely gave evidence and provided statements.”

Furthermore, Ruth Bowskill of the Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service paid tribute to the victims’ resilience, emphasizing their strength and tenacity in seeking justice. The case also highlighted the broader issue of safeguarding and the importance of protecting children from abuse, especially within trusted environments like schools. Wright’s case is part of a series of convictions involving former educators, including Hugh Henry, aged 82, who pleaded guilty to gross indecency with a child, and John Addrison, who was sentenced to five years in prison. These cases serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance and accountability in safeguarding children’s welfare.