TIMOTHY BLEACH AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN PETERSFIELD AND HAMPSHIRE

A former educator with a disturbing history of abusing young girls has been sentenced to serve 20 years behind bars. Timothy Bleach, aged 76, was found guilty of committing multiple heinous sexual offenses against 11 young females during the 1970s, crimes that have left enduring scars on his victims. The assaults took place primarily while Bleach was employed at Weyford Junior School, located in Bordon, Hampshire, between the years 1973 and 1980.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Roger Hetherington spoke volumes about the severity of Bleach's actions, emphasizing that the victims have endured significant psychological trauma as a direct consequence. The court heard that Bleach was responsible for a total of 56 criminal acts, which included rapes, indecent assaults, and acts of gross indecency. The judge detailed that Bleach had raped one girl on at least ten separate occasions, while another victim was assaulted at least three times.

The police investigation into Bleach's long history of criminal conduct was initiated after a report from one of his victims surfaced in 2014. This victim was motivated to come forward after viewing a BBC documentary highlighting the ongoing efforts of Hampshire Police to investigate historical sex crimes. The evidence against Bleach was powerful and extensive, leading to a five-week trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, during which the jury was presented with harrowing testimony.

Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Bleach exploited his position of trust as a teacher to carry out these assaults. His victims recounted being attacked in private settings such as school store cupboards, classrooms, and even in their own homes. Some victims recalled assaults occurring publicly in front of other pupils, while others described incidents that took place at Bleach’s residence, where he was also giving piano lessons to some of the victims.

Judge Hetherington remarked on Bleach’s predatory approach, stating that he took advantage of the innocence and trustfulness of the young girls, some of whom he assaulted in front of their peers and at his personal residence. The court also learned of additional crimes committed after Bleach relocated to Africa, where he allegedly raped a schoolgirl in Zambia.

Hampshire Police officials praised the bravery of the victims, highlighting their courage in coming forward to testify after so many years. Detective Inspector Jim Park condemned Bleach for abusing his role as a teacher, a position explicitly meant to protect and nurture children, turning it into a tool for abuse.

Throughout the proceedings, Bleach showed little emotional response to the sentencing. He resides at Hazel Walk in Petersfield and remains in custody. He will be eligible for parole consideration only after serving at least half of his 20-year sentence.