DAVID BRINDED FROM WEST HANNINGFIELD FACES JAIL AFTER GUILTY VERDICT IN LEICESTERSHIRE CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, David Brinded, a 73-year-old former headteacher from West Hanningfield, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a young girl during the 1970s. The trial, held at Leicester Crown Court, revealed disturbing details of the abuse that took place over four decades ago at Market Bosworth High School in Leicestershire.

Brinded, who at the time was employed as a French teacher and later served as the headteacher at North Crescent Primary School in Wickford, was accused of molesting a female pupil. The jury reached a verdict on Friday, convicting him on one count of indecent assault. The victim, now in her mid-50s, testified that Brinded had touched her private parts over her underwear and pressed his groin against her neck and shoulders during class sessions. Her account painted a disturbing picture of inappropriate conduct by a man in a position of authority.

During the trial, a close friend of the victim provided additional testimony, recounting an incident where she saw Brinded follow the girl into a store cupboard and close the door behind her. The friend described how the girl emerged from the cupboard crying, and she observed Brinded leaning over her with his hand between her legs. The friend expressed her feelings of discomfort, stating, “I felt then that it was wrong. Her face was bright red with embarrassment.”

Further allegations revealed that Brinded repeated the abusive behavior when the girl lost her plimsolls during a cross-country run. He reportedly carried her to the changing rooms, but the court acquitted him of this particular charge, indicating that the evidence was insufficient to prove guilt in that instance.

Throughout the proceedings, Brinded maintained his innocence, asserting that all allegations were false and that he had never behaved inappropriately towards a child. The victim testified that she had made a formal complaint at the time of the incident, which led to her parents being called to the school and the headmaster being informed. However, prosecutor Mary Prior argued that the complaint was “swept under the carpet,” suggesting a cover-up of the misconduct.

Brinded explained that he remembered being told by the headmaster that a complaint had been made against him but was never informed of its specific nature. Character witnesses described him as a “dedicated teacher of high integrity,” emphasizing his commitment to children’s welfare and praising his “inspirational” leadership qualities. Despite these character references, the court’s verdict confirmed his guilt on at least one count of indecent assault.

Following the verdict, Judge Nicholas Dean QC released Brinded on bail but warned him that sentencing would be scheduled for Friday, May 13. The judge also indicated that a victim impact statement was being prepared and cautioned Brinded to expect a custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes for which he was convicted.