MICHAEL HERRITY FROM RINGWOOD AND TWYNHAM JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CHRISTCHURCH

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Christchurch and Twynham communities, Michael Herrity, a 44-year-old man from Ringwood, has been convicted and sentenced for multiple child sex offences. The offences, which occurred in the early 2000s, came to light only recently, leading to a series of legal proceedings that culminated in his imprisonment.

Herrity was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child. These charges stem from incidents that took place before he began his employment at Twynham Secondary School in Christchurch, where he worked until allegations surfaced approximately two years ago. The police confirmed that the offences predated his tenure at the school, which is located on Sopers Lane.

Following his conviction, Herrity was sentenced to six years in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on a Tuesday. The court's decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed against vulnerable children during his earlier years. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions and the ongoing efforts to protect minors from abuse.

Prior to his sentencing, Herrity's criminal activities were detailed during a trial held at Portsmouth Crown Court in September 2018. The court found him guilty of a total of eight charges, including three counts of indecency with a child and five counts of indecent assault. The verdict was delivered after a thorough examination of evidence presented during the trial.

At the time of his offences, Herrity was employed at Twynham School, a well-known educational establishment in Christchurch. He remained at the school until May 2016, during which time the school was under the leadership of executive head teacher Dr. Terry Fish, who retired last year. The current head, Jy Taylor, addressed the parents via email, providing reassurance about the situation. In her message, she clarified that Herrity's offences occurred well before his employment at Twynham School and that he has not worked there since May 2016.

Ms. Taylor emphasized the school's commitment to safeguarding, stating, “Mr Herrity has recently been found guilty of a number of historic incidents of indecent assault. The incidents date back to the early 2000s and well before his period of employment at Twynham School. Mr Herrity has not worked at Twynham School since May 2016 when we were first made aware of the allegations. I would like to reassure you that none of the charges relate to his time as an employee at Twynham School and that we continue to be committed to the robust safeguarding of our students and staff. The school will not be making any further comment about this case.”

It was also revealed that Herrity, who resides on Top Lane in Ringwood, was involved in the management of two companies associated with the school. According to Companies House records, he was the director of Twynham Learning, a multi-academy trust that includes The Grange, Twynham Primary School, Christchurch Junior School, Stourfield Junior School, and Stourfield Infant School. Herrity left his directorial role in May 2017. The trust remains active today. The second company, Twynham Solutions Ltd, was dissolved in November 2014. Herrity's involvement in these organizations underscores his professional ties to the educational sector in the Christchurch and Twynham areas, making his criminal conduct all the more troubling for the community.