Former teacher from York convicted of sexual offences
Ben Breakwell was found guilty of 32 offences against three girls on Monday
A former teacher from York has been found guilty of 32 sexual offences against three girls at a school in West London.
He's been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date.
Breakwell worked at the school between 2014 and 2017, engaged in sexual activity with three girls aged between 13 and 16.
He also kept indecent images of a fourth girl.
The court heard he "abused his position" as a music teacher to carry out the offences, and denied deliberately kissing one girl during a lesson.
An investigation began in 2017 when Breakwell was suspended from the school, and he was arrested in November that year.
He denied allegations against him during an interview, but was charged in February 2020.
Detective Constable Ben Lawrence-Smith from the Metropolitan Police said: “My thoughts are with the young girls who were betrayed by Breakwell. They have all been incredibly brave and it is their courage in speaking out that has brought him to justice.
"Breakwell deceived and abused these girls and then sought to evade any responsibility for his actions. They were manipulated to the point where some felt it was they who were doing wrong. The fact Breakwell was a teacher only compounds this gross betrayal of trust.
“It is clear that Breakwell was a sexual predator who carefully manipulated these young girls in order to exploit them. His victims were very young and he led them to believe they were in love with him, knowing that if they cared for him they were less likely to alert anyone to his crimes.
"It can be difficult for victims of sexual offences, especially when their abusers are people in positions of power and trust, to speak out. I would ask that if you suspect anyone to be at risk from similar manipulation and abuse, please tell someone, either a parent, a carer or someone in authority.
“Due to the predatory nature of Breakwell’s crimes, it is possible there are further victims who have yet to come forward. If you or someone you know has been affected by Breakwell’s offending, or you have been a victim of a sexual offence, please come forward to police. Specially trained officers will be there to listen and support all allegations and work to bring offenders to justice."
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