Independent Cheam School former head of department jailed for child-sex offences

Victim steps forward revealing 1990s incidents at Headley school

A FORMER head of department at Cheam school in Headley has been jailed after being found guilty of child sex offences dating back well over two decades.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, Nicholas Martin Eggington, aged 58, of Plantation Close, Arnold, Nottingham was sentenced to a three years in jail at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, December 2.

He was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a male child and two counts of gross indecency with a male child.

Mr Eggington is also the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

The offences relate to a single victim and occurred between 1992 and 1993 at the Cheam School located in Headley on the Berkshire/Hampshire border. Mr Eggington taught at the school between 1987 and 1993.

Officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Craig Ferguson said: “This was a very detailed investigation which required the continued strength and support of the victim and his family.

“The jury in the case heard how Eggington had used his platform as a Head of Department and ‘friend’ to the victim to create opportunities to be alone with him.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim and to commend him for the courage and resolve he has demonstrated throughout this difficult investigation.

“I am aware that this case was at times very difficult for the victim and his family but I hope now that we have seen justice he can start to try to rebuild his life and move on.

“Hampshire Constabulary remains absolutely committed to supporting the victims of non-recent sexual abuse and bringing to justice those responsible”

Cheam School headmaster, Martin Harris, issued the following statement:

"I can confirm that a former teacher has been jailed for abuse committed in the early 1990s.

Given that the events occurred so long ago, they do not relate to any pupils or staff currently at the school.

We gave the authorities every assistance in their investigation.

Cases like this underline why child protection is so important and why, as a school, we take it so very seriously."

For more on this story pick up a copy of the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday

PHOTOGRAPH HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY