ALISTAIR PERRY SHOCKS BRISTOL AND WESTON-SUPER-MARE WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGERS

In a series of disturbing revelations, Alistair Perry, a former headteacher associated with Colston’s Girls’ School in Bristol, has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault involving teenage girls. The incidents, which span over several years and locations, have shocked the communities of Colaton Raleigh and Weston-super-Mare, where Perry resided and committed these heinous acts.

In July 2018, Perry, then aged 46, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being convicted of touching a teenage girl in his Weston-super-Mare home. The court heard that Perry, who was at the time a history teacher and later the headteacher at Colston’s Girls’ School, had committed these offenses in the year 2000. The victim, a girl of 16, had gone to Perry’s house for tutoring in mathematics, trusting him as a respected educator and church member. However, the visit took a dark turn when Perry moved the tutoring session from his study to his bedroom, where he proceeded to sexually assault her. The girl later confided in her father about the abuse, but he chose not to report it to the police, citing concerns over invasive questioning, as revealed during the court proceedings.

Further details emerged during the trial, including that church leaders from the community, which both families attended, were aware of the allegations but decided not to pursue action, believing the matter was between “him and God.” The court also heard from a former pupil of Perry’s, who testified that Perry often made sexual jokes and looked down girls’ tops during school hours, adding to the pattern of inappropriate behavior.

In a separate case, Perry was convicted of assaulting another teenage girl in his Weston-super-Mare home in 2000. This incident was brought to light in 2016 after the victim was encouraged by her psychiatrist to come forward. Perry, who was then a teacher and later the headteacher at Colston’s, was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault. The court described his actions as a gross abuse of trust, especially given his role as an educator and community figure. Judge Jeremy Jenkins sentenced him to 28 months in prison, with the sentence to be served half in custody and the remainder on license. Perry was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

During the sentencing, Judge Jenkins emphasized that Perry had offered to tutor the girl in mathematics, despite his official role as a history teacher, and that he had manipulated the situation to carry out his misconduct. Perry’s wife and church leaders confronted him after the incidents, but they chose to handle the matter privately, believing it was a spiritual issue rather than a criminal one. Perry’s behavior extended beyond the classroom, with testimonies from former students indicating that he often made sexual jokes and ogled girls during school hours.

Most recently, in January 2019, the London Appeal Court reviewed Perry’s case after he appealed his sentence. The court acknowledged his “glowing references” and “model” behavior in prison but ultimately reduced his sentence from 28 months to 20 months, citing the severity of his fall from grace and his capacity for rehabilitation. Justice Sweeney remarked that Perry was solely responsible for his actions and the destruction they caused in his life, describing the case as a “tragedy” for all involved.

These cases highlight a disturbing pattern of abuse by a man who was entrusted with the education and spiritual guidance of young girls. The communities of Colaton Raleigh and Weston-super-Mare continue to grapple with the revelations, which have cast a long shadow over the institutions Perry was once associated with, and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.