June 2003 Bible teacher molested girl in class A church Bible class leader has escaped jail despite being convicted of sexually abusing a girl when he was headmaster at a primary school 20 years ago. Alan Ambler, 66, who lives in Barnet, ran a Bible club for under-tens at the Dollis Valley Centre in the Dollis Valley estate until October last year. Until March this year he helped with an under-fives group at Underhill Baptist Church in Elton Road, Barnet. His victim, now 28, told how Ambler abused her for a year at the St Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary School in Holloway, when she was eight years old. Ambler, who retired in 1994, admitted indecently assaulting her during break and lunchtimes and even under the desk during lessons while she was reading aloud. She said she decided to speak to police at the end of last year after seeing Ambler on television claiming that none of his employees had abused pupils in his school. Staff at the Dollis Valley Centre said the news had come as a complete shock. Rosemary Watkins, centre manager, said: “It has come absolutely out of the blue. “He has always worked in a team, never in an unsupervised role. “No-one works alone with the children. “He has always acted in an appropriate and correct manner with everyone with whom he has had contact.” Ambler stopped running the classes last October to have knee surgery. The Rev Dick Prior, from Underhill Baptist Church, said: “The moment we became aware of the allegations and the charges we took steps to put restrictions in place. The church recognises that it has a duty of care to all concerned in these matters.” Ambler pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault at Inner London Crown Court on May 20 and was sentenced to a three-year rehabilitation order. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and ordered to attend treatment sessions. Police said no further allegations against Ambler had been made.