JOHN FLOYD SHOCKS BOURNEMOUTH WITH INDECENT ASSAULTS AT PORTCHESTER SCHOOL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Bournemouth community, John Floyd, the former caretaker at Portchester School, has been found guilty of committing two indecent assaults against a young girl. The verdict was delivered after a week-long trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, where the jury unanimously convicted Floyd of these serious offenses.

John Floyd, aged 48, who previously resided on Stanley Road in Bournemouth and more recently had been living in the Manchester area, appeared in the dock visibly shaken and overwhelmed, shedding tears as the court announced its decision. Throughout the proceedings, Floyd maintained his innocence, denying both charges and claiming that the allegations made by the victim, as well as four other girls who testified about his inappropriate behavior, were falsehoods.

Judge Mr. Recorder Ian Pringle QC addressed Floyd directly, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes for which he had been convicted. Floyd was remanded on bail until October, pending the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The judge also advised Floyd to take this time to “put his house in order” before he faces the possibility of imprisonment. In his remarks, Mr. Pringle made it clear that the verdict left no room for leniency: “You have been found guilty unanimously of two very serious offences. Indeed, you must understand that the only sentence I am going to pass is one of immediate custody.”

As part of his sentencing, Floyd was ordered to register as a sex offender and was instructed not to have any form of contact—either direct or indirect—with the witnesses involved in the case.

The trial revealed disturbing details about Floyd’s misconduct. The victim, now in her twenties and a mother, recounted how Floyd had groomed her when she was just 11 or 12 years old, leading to the assaults. Her testimony prompted her to report the abuse to her boyfriend and subsequently to the police in 2007. This investigation uncovered further troubling behaviors, including Floyd showing young girls internet pornography, providing them with alcohol, and exposing them to the film “A Clockwork Orange,” which carries an 18-certificate rating.

Additionally, the court was shown a disturbing video recorded by Floyd at a beach in August 1995. Although Floyd claimed he was filming his young children, the footage revealed him zooming in on the intimate areas of girls’ bodies, raising serious concerns about his intentions. Prosecutor Charles Gabb described the video as “the video of a pervert,” highlighting its disturbing nature. Floyd, in police interviews, denied any sexual interest in children, attempting to dismiss the allegations.

Following the verdict, Detective Constable Keilly Bunce expressed relief and hope that justice had been served. She stated, “It’s going to finally give some closure to the girls. They can move on with their lives. It has been quite harrowing.”

Portchester School’s head teacher, Chris Bradey, provided a statement emphasizing the school’s procedures. He confirmed that all necessary police checks were conducted before Floyd’s employment began. When the allegations surfaced in June 2007, Floyd ceased his duties at the school while police investigations were ongoing. During this period, he had no access to the school premises or pupils. Floyd officially left the school by mutual agreement on February 1, 2008. The head teacher also reassured the public that there were no allegations of inappropriate behavior towards pupils during Floyd’s time at Portchester School.