ANTHONY BRAILSFORD SHOCKS DEDWORTH AND WINDSOR CASTLE WITH PAEDOPHILE SCANDAL
| Red Rose Database
Dedworth Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Dedworth and the historic grounds of Windsor Castle, Anthony Brailsford, a former headmaster and teacher at the prestigious St George's School, has been found guilty of serious sexual misconduct involving young boys. Despite the gravity of his actions, Brailsford, aged 70, was spared immediate imprisonment and received a suspended sentence, raising questions about the handling of his case and the protection of vulnerable students.
Details emerged during a court hearing that Brailsford, who served at St George's School from 1973 until his retirement in 2012, engaged in inappropriate conduct with pupils during Latin classes and in other settings within the school premises. The court heard that he called boys to his desk under the pretense of marking their work, during which he would rub his hands on their buttocks and make physical contact that was clearly sexual in nature. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was only 12 and 13 years old at the time of the abuse, which took place in the 1990s.
Prosecutor Lisa Goddard outlined the disturbing details, stating, “The defendant would ask the boys to come up to his desk, ask them questions, and on multiple occasions, he placed his hand on their necks, ran it down their backs, and touched their bottoms, sometimes leaving his hand there for extended moments.” She further explained that Brailsford’s inappropriate behavior extended beyond the classroom, as he was observed watching boys shower in the school’s changing area, an act that made the victims and other students very uncomfortable.
The court was also informed that Brailsford had a history of misconduct that was not adequately addressed by the school authorities. The then headmaster, Reverend Roger Marsh, failed to respond promptly to initial concerns raised by the victim’s parents. It was only after they threatened to report the matter to the police that Reverend Marsh responded with a written warning, which Brailsford later acknowledged in a meeting. Despite these warnings, Brailsford continued his inappropriate behavior, and the school did not take disciplinary action that could have prevented further abuse.
In addition to the sexual misconduct, police investigations uncovered a catalogue of indecent images on Brailsford’s computer, including photographs of naked, pre-pubescent boys and images of classical statues such as Michelangelo’s David, which the defense claimed were “naturist” in nature. The court heard that the majority of these images depicted young boys’ naked backsides, raising serious concerns about Brailsford’s sexual interests.
During the sentencing, Recorder Quinlan acknowledged the “identical” nature of the additional allegations brought to light, including the possession of indecent images, and noted that Brailsford had previously received a final written warning from the school for similar conduct. Despite the severity of the accusations, the judge decided that it was not in the public interest to impose immediate imprisonment, instead opting for a six-month suspended sentence and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order prohibits Brailsford from having unsupervised contact with boys under the age of 16 for a period of seven years.
It was also revealed that the school’s leadership, including Reverend Marsh, had failed to act decisively when concerns about Brailsford’s behavior first arose. The headmaster’s records indicated that he was warned verbally and in writing about Brailsford’s inappropriate conduct, yet no immediate action was taken to remove or suspend him. The court noted that the victim’s parents had to threaten police involvement before any formal response was made.
In court, Brailsford admitted to three counts of indecent assault committed between January 1997 and March 1998. He also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, which included photographs of naked boys and statues, though the defense argued these were “not sexual in nature.” The court ordered Brailsford to pay no prosecution costs due to his financial situation and prohibited him from entering the grounds of St George’s School or making contact with anyone involved in the case. He is required to reside at his home address in Dedworth and cooperate with probation services ahead of his sentencing scheduled for January 6.
As the community grapples with the revelations, questions remain about the oversight and safeguarding measures at one of Windsor’s most esteemed educational institutions. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting children from abuse, especially within environments that are supposed to be safe and nurturing.
Details emerged during a court hearing that Brailsford, who served at St George's School from 1973 until his retirement in 2012, engaged in inappropriate conduct with pupils during Latin classes and in other settings within the school premises. The court heard that he called boys to his desk under the pretense of marking their work, during which he would rub his hands on their buttocks and make physical contact that was clearly sexual in nature. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was only 12 and 13 years old at the time of the abuse, which took place in the 1990s.
Prosecutor Lisa Goddard outlined the disturbing details, stating, “The defendant would ask the boys to come up to his desk, ask them questions, and on multiple occasions, he placed his hand on their necks, ran it down their backs, and touched their bottoms, sometimes leaving his hand there for extended moments.” She further explained that Brailsford’s inappropriate behavior extended beyond the classroom, as he was observed watching boys shower in the school’s changing area, an act that made the victims and other students very uncomfortable.
The court was also informed that Brailsford had a history of misconduct that was not adequately addressed by the school authorities. The then headmaster, Reverend Roger Marsh, failed to respond promptly to initial concerns raised by the victim’s parents. It was only after they threatened to report the matter to the police that Reverend Marsh responded with a written warning, which Brailsford later acknowledged in a meeting. Despite these warnings, Brailsford continued his inappropriate behavior, and the school did not take disciplinary action that could have prevented further abuse.
In addition to the sexual misconduct, police investigations uncovered a catalogue of indecent images on Brailsford’s computer, including photographs of naked, pre-pubescent boys and images of classical statues such as Michelangelo’s David, which the defense claimed were “naturist” in nature. The court heard that the majority of these images depicted young boys’ naked backsides, raising serious concerns about Brailsford’s sexual interests.
During the sentencing, Recorder Quinlan acknowledged the “identical” nature of the additional allegations brought to light, including the possession of indecent images, and noted that Brailsford had previously received a final written warning from the school for similar conduct. Despite the severity of the accusations, the judge decided that it was not in the public interest to impose immediate imprisonment, instead opting for a six-month suspended sentence and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order prohibits Brailsford from having unsupervised contact with boys under the age of 16 for a period of seven years.
It was also revealed that the school’s leadership, including Reverend Marsh, had failed to act decisively when concerns about Brailsford’s behavior first arose. The headmaster’s records indicated that he was warned verbally and in writing about Brailsford’s inappropriate conduct, yet no immediate action was taken to remove or suspend him. The court noted that the victim’s parents had to threaten police involvement before any formal response was made.
In court, Brailsford admitted to three counts of indecent assault committed between January 1997 and March 1998. He also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, which included photographs of naked boys and statues, though the defense argued these were “not sexual in nature.” The court ordered Brailsford to pay no prosecution costs due to his financial situation and prohibited him from entering the grounds of St George’s School or making contact with anyone involved in the case. He is required to reside at his home address in Dedworth and cooperate with probation services ahead of his sentencing scheduled for January 6.
As the community grapples with the revelations, questions remain about the oversight and safeguarding measures at one of Windsor’s most esteemed educational institutions. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting children from abuse, especially within environments that are supposed to be safe and nurturing.