PHILLIP BIGNELL OF NELSON ROAD, STANMORE, FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTH LONDON

In December 2006, a case spanning 28 years of sexual assaults was brought to light involving Phillip Bignell, a plumber linked to a respected north London school. The 66-year-old, residing on Nelson Road, Stanmore, was unanimously convicted at Harrow Crown Court of seven counts of buggery and 13 counts of indecent assault. Bignell, who was employed at Harrow School for four decades, was accused of abusing four young boys between the years 1972 and 1990. Importantly, none of the victims were pupils at the school.

The victims, now adults, only came forward in 2004, after initially being too frightened to report the abuse due to Bignell's threats involving firearms he kept at his house. During the four-week trial, the court heard how Bignell outwardly appeared to be a family man while secretly preying on boys as young as seven. Two of his victims endured multiple acts of sexual abuse.

Prior to the jury's decision, Bignell, who was experiencing chest pains, learned of his conviction while lying in a hospital bed. The convictions concluded a two-year investigation carried out by the Child Protection Team.

Investigating officer DC Julia Mayer commented, "Bignell is evil and calculating; he stole the childhoods of these young men. We welcome the guilty verdict, which I hope will aid the victims and their families in coming to terms with what happened to them. They have shown incredible courage and strength in supporting this case."

Officers believe that Bignell's actions were more widespread than the four known victims. DC Mayer added, "The evidence presented demonstrated that Bignell was a prolific offender. We believe there are likely other victims who have not yet come forward, and I hope that knowing Bignell is finally held accountable will encourage those who are still silent to seek the support they need."