GARY DOBBIE SHREWSBURY AND FRANCE: HORSHAM AND SUSSEX SCHOOL ABUSE SCANDAL REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the educational and local communities, Gary Dobbie, a former teacher and chaplain at Shrewsbury School and Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning over three decades.

Dobbie, now aged 67 and residing in Albi, France, was convicted last month of four counts of indecent assault against a young boy, with the abuse occurring between 1986 and 1991 at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham. This conviction followed a previous ruling last year, where he was found guilty of abusing eight other pupils, bringing the total number of victims to at least 22 former students.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of Dobbie’s predatory behavior. During the latest trial, a victim testified that Dobbie’s abuse was a regular occurrence, often taking place during night visits to his on-site lodgings. The victim described how Dobbie would offer him wine and, on one occasion, fed him smoked oysters. The victim also recounted Dobbie’s preference for cigars, which he would buy Turkish cigarettes for, and how the teacher assaulted him during two school trips. One particularly troubling incident involved Dobbie drunkenly lunging at the boy in a violent and sexual manner.

The victim explained that he sought refuge in visiting Dobbie, as he was being bullied at school. However, instead of safety, he was subjected to further abuse, including groping under his school shirt while they sat alone on a sofa. The victim, who is now a married man and still struggles with the traumatic memories, recounted confiding in a fellow teacher about his experiences. Unfortunately, he was told to “get over it and move on,” highlighting the dismissive attitude that many victims faced.

Dobbie’s criminal activities did not cease after his time at Christ’s Hospital. He later worked at Shrewsbury School, where he was arrested in 2016. Following his arrest, Dobbie moved to France after previously residing in Hereford. His criminal record expanded significantly when, last year, he was convicted of 15 charges involving multiple offenses against six boys and two girls, some as young as 12, committed between 1998 and 2001.

He denied 12 counts of indecent assault, attempting to indecently assault a boy, and two counts of indecency with a child. Despite his denials, the court found him guilty, and he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for all 19 offenses. The investigation into Dobbie was part of a broader inquiry that uncovered the disturbing pattern of abuse by five former teachers at Christ’s Hospital School, spanning over 30 years and involving 22 former students.

Detective Sergeant Karrie Bohanna of the Sussex Police Complex Abuse Unit provided insight into the case, describing how Dobbie established a manipulative relationship with a male pupil over two to three years. During this period, Dobbie would host dinner parties at his house within the school grounds, where he would serve alcohol and engage pupils in conversations about their sexual experiences. The detective detailed how Dobbie would give pupils alcohol, encourage them to talk about their sexual encounters, and then assault them during private visits and school trips.

She emphasized that Dobbie exploited the vulnerabilities of his victims, many of whom turned to him for refuge due to bullying and other issues. The police investigation, which began in January 2016 after pupils reported abuse, was described as complex and sensitive. The victims showed remarkable courage in coming forward, despite the passage of many years since the offenses occurred.

Dobbie’s status as a registered sex offender is now for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The case has also highlighted the failure of institutions to protect students and the importance of ongoing vigilance and reporting mechanisms for abuse allegations.

In addition to Dobbie’s convictions, other former staff members at Christ’s Hospital School have been convicted of similar offenses. Ajaz Karim, a sports coach, was jailed in August for 10 years after assaulting six girls between 1985 and 1993. James Husband, also known as Andrew, received a 17-year sentence in July for raping and indecently assaulting a girl as young as 14 between 1990 and 1994. Both Peter Webb and Peter Burr admitted to indecently assaulting pupils during the 1960s and 1980s, respectively.

The extensive investigations and subsequent convictions underscore a dark chapter in the history of these educational institutions, revealing a pattern of abuse that persisted over decades. The courts have sent a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated, and victims’ voices are finally being heard after years of silence and suffering.