JEREMY MALIM SHOCKS SUSSEX AND FRANCE WITH SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL AT BRAMBLETYE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

In September 2018, a disturbing case of sexual misconduct involving a retired educator has come to light, revealing a pattern of abuse that spanned several decades and crossed international borders. Jeremy Malim, now residing in Morteaux-Coliboeuf, Normandy, was formerly employed at the prestigious Brambletye Preparatory School near East Grinstead, Sussex. His tenure at the school lasted from 1975 until 2002, when he was suspended amid serious allegations of indecent sexual assault.

Malim, aged 73 at the time of his conviction, exploited his role as a French teacher to manipulate and groom young boys aged between nine and 13. His actions, which led to his conviction, were uncovered after a lengthy investigation and trial at Hove Crown Court. The court found him guilty of six counts of indecent assault, and Judge Paul Tain sentenced him to a total of six years in prison.

Prosecutor Ryan Richter detailed how Malim used his popularity and trusted position within the school community to prey on vulnerable pupils. He explained, “The victims described how the defendant had singled them out as ‘favourites’, paying them more attention than their classmates, with his tactile behaviour gradually escalating into abuse.”

Malim’s criminal history includes an earlier trial at Oxford Crown Court in 2003, where two former pupils made allegations against him. However, that case was dismissed by a judge due to concerns over the significant passage of time since the alleged incidents occurred. It was only after legislative changes that further accusations could be formally brought to Sussex Police in 2014.

Three former pupils came forward with allegations spanning different periods. The first victim was abused between 1978 and 1979, the second between 1977 and 1979, and the third from 1996 to 1999. One of the victims described Malim as having become like a “father figure,” but emphasized that the teacher’s actions were a betrayal of trust. The victim stated, “As a 13-year-old child, I did not have the opportunity and freedom to know what is right and wrong or to realize I was being exploited for his own sexual gratification.”

He further explained that Malim was entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding children, tasked with protecting their innocence and addressing their concerns when away from home. Instead, he exploited that trust for his own perverse purposes.

Judge Tain highlighted the vulnerability of the victims and described the case as an “almost classic” example of grooming and abuse of trust. He emphasized the severity of the betrayal, which involved manipulation and exploitation of young boys under his care.

In sentencing, Judge Tain imposed a six-year prison term, allocating five years for the most serious offences against one boy, one year for offences against another, and a total of six years for charges involving a third victim. This case has sent shockwaves through both Sussex and France, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of abuse by trusted figures.