GRAHAME BRENNAND'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN PRESTON: DECADES OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES REVEALED
In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Preston, Grahame Brennand, a former deputy headteacher, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 19 years for a series of heinous child sexual offences.Brennand, aged 70 and residing on Calder Avenue in Freckleton, was convicted after a detailed trial at Preston Crown Court last month, where evidence revealed the extent of his abuse against young victims.
He was found guilty of committing a total of 29 offences involving 11 different victims.
The charges included 26 sexual assaults on girls and three acts of cruelty directed at boys.
The severity of his crimes was underscored by the fact that the actual number of offences is believed to be close to 200, as many of the counts involved multiple assaults.
These offences spanned over a period from 1973 to 1989, during which Brennand was employed at St John’s Primary School in Baxenden, a position that he exploited to carry out his predatory acts.
During the trial, prosecutors detailed how Brennand used his role as an educator to manipulate and abuse children.
His methods included taking pupils swimming and establishing a First Aid Club, which provided him with opportunities to target vulnerable children.
Witnesses described how Brennand would kiss girls, instruct them to sit on his knee, and inappropriately touch them, including rubbing himself against them.
He also wore loose-fitting sports clothing in the classroom, which was used to facilitate his abuse.
The court heard harrowing accounts of the abuse, which occurred over three decades.
One victim recounted feeling dirty and ashamed, describing how she hated being touched and became very angry and upset.
She explained that during her high school years, she felt different from her friends and considered herself damaged.
When she attempted to date, she often needed to be heavily intoxicated to engage in any sexual activity, illustrating the long-lasting impact of Brennand’s actions.
Additional disturbing incidents included Brennand locking a male pupil in a store room and rubbing dog mess in another child's nose.
He also reportedly dangled a boy on a coat hook by his clothes and forced him to stand next to a radiator for extended periods, sometimes up to an hour.
These acts exemplify the cruelty and manipulation that characterized his abuse.
Grahame Brennand, who has been in custody since January, will serve a minimum of 11 years before he becomes eligible for parole.
The sentencing is scheduled for October 12.
Lancashire Police, represented by Officer Keith Hill, expressed their appreciation for the victims’ bravery in coming forward.
Hill emphasized that the investigation was long and emotionally taxing but ultimately successful due to the courage of those who testified.
He stated, “Grahame Brennand is a devious and arrogant man that took advantage of his position to abuse many children in his care and to carry out his perverted sexual interest in young girls, abuse which continued over many years.
These convictions are due to the determination and courage of everyone involved in the investigation and hopefully will offer some closure for all those abused by Brennand over the years.” Police continue to encourage victims of historic sexual offences to come forward, assuring them of a sensitive and professional response.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
