GEORGE WAKE OF CHARD SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AT PRESTIGIOUS BRITISH SCHOOL NEAR DEVON AND SOMERSET

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Geoffrey Wake, a 63-year-old former physical education teacher from South Chard, Somerset, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for the sexual abuse of two young girls. The crimes took place during the late 1970s, a period when Wake was employed at Colyton Grammar School, one of Britain’s most esteemed and academically rigorous institutions.

Wake’s misconduct was not limited to the classroom; it extended into his personal life and the nearby seaside town of Seaton, where he resided during the time of the offenses. The first victim, a girl who was only 14 years old at the time, sought his advice after running away from her home in Chard. She was vulnerable and in need of guidance, which Wake exploited. Although she was not a student at Colyton Grammar School, she knew Wake socially, and he took advantage of her trust on three separate occasions when she was between 14 and 15 years old. One of these incidents occurred while Wake’s wife was hospitalized, pregnant with their child, highlighting the disturbing timing of his abuse.

The second girl, also a pupil at the school, was 14 years old when she encountered Wake. During the summer holidays, after a disagreement with her parents, she left her home in Chard and sought out Wake at a local club in Seaton, seeking advice. Instead of offering support, Wake subjected her to abuse. The girl managed to escape from him and was later found by police patrols, who took her home. It was revealed that Wake had assaulted her in a shop doorway, where he thrust her hand down his trousers, an act that was described as grooming, given her age and vulnerability.

Neither of Wake’s victims filed complaints at the time, but both suffered long-lasting psychological effects from his actions. The abuse was uncovered only after a relative of one of the victims contacted the NSPCC last year, prompting an investigation. Wake’s criminal record includes four counts of indecent assault—two against each girl—covering incidents when they were aged 14 and 15. Despite the passage of time, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him.

During the sentencing hearing at Exeter Crown Court, Judge Erik Salomonsen addressed Wake directly, stating, “These girls were pupils at the school at which you taught PE in the late 1970s. They were aged 14 and 15. The second victim was vulnerable, out at night, and came looking for you because of her vulnerability she came looking for you. You were in a pub and had probably been drinking. She was 14 and instead of providing her with help and assistance, you took her into a shop doorway where you thrust her hand down your trousers.”

The judge acknowledged that Wake had led a blameless life since these incidents, supporting young people and contributing positively to society, which contrasted sharply with the nature of his past offenses. Prosecutor David Sapiecha detailed that the first victim, although not a student, knew Wake socially and was abused on three occasions when Wake was between 24 and 26 years old. The second victim, a pupil, had left her home after a dispute with her parents and sought Wake out for advice, only to be exploited.

Wake’s actions have left a dark mark on the community of Chard, Somerset, and the surrounding areas. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people and the devastating impact of abuse, even decades after the crimes were committed.