Teacher abused girls over two decades

A FORMER deputy head teacher who abused 22 schoolgirls, including some he taught during swimming and first aid sessions, is facing a lengthy jail term.

Grahame Brennand, 71, was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of 26 offences of sexual assault against nine victims, Lancashire Police said. He was also convicted in January at a trial at the same court of 17 sexual assaults against 13 girls.

All the girls he abused were taught by Brennand at St John’s Primary School in Baxenden, Lancashire.

Brennand, described as “arrogant” and “domineering”, indecently assaulted the schoolgirls, aged between seven and 11, across two decades.

Police said the actual number of offences committed between 1973 and 1989 was close to 200.

Robert Golinski, prosecuting, said that Brennand “could be something of a disciplinarian, a domineering figure and many children were frightened of him”.

Among his methods was to lean over the desks of pupils and press his groin into their back, while on other occasions girls were required to stand in front of him or to sit on his knee where he would take the opportunity to fondle them.

Brennand also created situations outside of the classroom to commit his abuse, either at swimming sessions

‘Brennand is a devious and arrogant man that took advantage of his position’

or at a first aid club he started.

Yesterday, Brennand, of Preston, was also convicted of three counts of historical child cruelty against two male pupils.

Following the verdicts, Keith Hill, the investigating officer, said: “Grahame Brennand is a devious and arrogant man that took advantage of his position.”

He will be sentenced on Oct 12.