GEORGE OPENSHAW EX-PE TEACHER FROM OUT RAWCLIFFE ABUSES YOUNG GIRLS IN PRESTON

In December 2019, a disturbing case of child abuse involving Geoffrey Openshaw, a former physical education teacher, came to light during proceedings at Preston Crown Court. Openshaw, who previously taught at Darwen Vale, was accused of systematically grooming and abusing multiple underage girls over a span of more than a decade, from 1979 to 1990.

According to court reports, the 73-year-old resident of Out Rawcliffe, near Preston, engaged in a pattern of manipulative and predatory behavior towards five young girls. His actions included buying them underwear and chocolates, as well as taking some of them on weekend trips, which served to deepen his control over his victims. The court heard harrowing details of his abuse, including an incident where a girl, only 12 or 13 years old, was restrained to a bed with his tie so that Openshaw could carry out sexual acts against her will.

The abuse was not confined to his home in Blackburn but also occurred within the school premises, specifically in his office located above the gym at Darwen Vale. The court was told that Openshaw’s misconduct involved both unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault, charges to which he has pleaded guilty. The court scheduled his sentencing for the same day, with Judge Robert Altham presiding. Openshaw had been remanded in custody overnight pending sentencing.

Victims, some now in their 50s, provided emotional testimonies read aloud in court, describing how Openshaw had “brainwashed” and “manipulated” them for his own sexual gratification. Prosecutor Paul Brookwell detailed that the abuse took place when Openshaw was between 35 and 46 years old. Known during his teaching career as a popular figure who often embraced students, Openshaw’s predatory behavior extended to luring a young girl into a relationship by asking her to babysit for him. He would offer her pizza and alcohol, and later presented her with gifts such as necklaces and handbags. The victim expressed that the trauma inflicted by Openshaw had shattered her trust in others and adversely affected her approach to raising her own children.

Another girl, aged 14 at the time, was groomed after joining one of his after-school clubs. She was subjected to groping and involved in sexual acts within his office, with court evidence indicating that Openshaw attempted to instruct her on how he preferred to be sexually pleased. Further disturbing details emerged when he arranged to meet a third victim via a call box near her home. Unbeknownst to her, Openshaw used a school camcorder to record their sexual encounters. Her parents eventually grew suspicious and discovered a box containing notes he had written to their daughter. When her father reported the incident to the school authorities, it led to a rift between the girl and her parents, a situation that took years to mend, court records revealed.

This case highlights the disturbing abuse of power by a trusted educator, with the victims enduring long-lasting emotional scars. The court’s proceedings underscore the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding children from such predatory behavior.