ANTHONY TAMS, FORMER LONGTON SCHOOL GOVERNOR, CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In July 2014, Anthony Tams, a 66-year-old ex-school governor from Longton, was convicted of sexually assaulting a girl on two occasions. Tams, who previously served as a governor at Sandford Hill Primary School near Longton, used his trusted position to commit the offenses. He has been prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults, required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next seven years, and received a suspended prison sentence.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that Tams resided on Warrington Road, Hanley, and that he committed the assaults while serving as a school governor. The female victim—who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions—was reportedly left frightened and saddened by the experience, especially as she had to testify at the trial last month.

A jury found Tams guilty of two sexual assaults on a child but acquitted him of six other similar charges.

During mitigation, Nick Tatlow stated that Tams, who has no prior convictions, disputes his guilt but intends to cooperate with authorities and perform unpaid community work. Tatlow described Tams as having a positive, almost exemplary character and noted his lifetime dedication to community service.

He added, "He has a positive, even exemplary, character to rely upon. He has dedicated a great deal of his life to the service of his community for little reward. It was two touchings, minor of their kind."

Judge Paul Glenn dismissed concerns outlined in a pre-sentence report that suggested Tams posed a danger to children. The judge highlighted Tams’ longstanding role as a governor and the respected opinion of a former head of the school, emphasizing that his offenses were not sophisticated or severe. The judge stated, "The touching lasted on her account for five seconds over clothing. Your involvement as a school governor and volunteer meant you came into regular contact with children. You knew as well as anybody could know the importance of not abusing the trust. You did so on two occasions."

Tams was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

The case has caused shock among staff at Clayfield Grove school. Headteacher David Wardle commented, "Anthony Tams has not been involved in the school governing body for some time. The school takes safeguarding issues seriously, and works closely with the local authority and the police when there are safeguarding concerns. I am saddened by this case but want to reassure parents that we are absolutely committed to delivering education in a safe and secure environment."

Staffordshire Police also publicly praised the bravery of the girl who testified against Tams.