Former teacher at Surrey school jailed over child sex offences in the 1970s
An investigation was launched after his victim came forward in 2018.
Last updated 24th Feb 2021
A former teacher at a school in Witley near Godalming is behind bars following an investigation into reports of child sex offences in the 1970s.
Charles Phillip Johnson, of Hall Place Drive, Weybridge, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault on a child and two counts of indecency with a child.
The 72 year old was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (23 February) to two years and five months in jail.
It followed an investigation launched after a former pupil came forward in August 2018 to report physical and sexual abuse against him by Johnson between 1976 and 1979 while he was at Barrow Hills School.
Johnson had been a teacher at the school at the time.
He was subsequently arrested and interviewed before being charged in 2019.
Previously, Johnson had been sentenced to a year in prison on 11 July 2017 after pleading guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 14 years.
He was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The offences also took place at Barrow Hills School between 1979 and 1980 while the victim was a pupil and boarder.
The school was owned by the Josephites - a religious order - but was sold in 1990. Since then it has been run by Trustees as an independent charity.
Detective Constable Becky Thomson, who investigated the case, said: "I hope that Johnson's guilty plea and the sentence he has received today will in some way help the victim to come to terms with what's happened and move on with his life.
"He had the courage to report Johnson's predatory behaviour and I'd like to commend his bravery in coming forward.
"I would also encourage any victim to come forward to Surrey Police and report any similar incidents. Surrey Police treats all allegations of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, extremely seriously.
"Our priority is victim care and people need to feel confident that if they come forward and report an offence, we can help. We have a dedicated investigation team for such crime and the dedicated unit works to obtain best evidence.
"We also work closely with our partner agencies to pride support and care to victims."
Further details for advice and help can be found here https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/