Third former teacher charged with sexual abuse at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College

A third man has been charged after detectives investigated claims of child sexual abuse at St Anne’s Catholic School & Sixth Form College in Southampton.

A third former teacher from St Anne’s Catholic School & Sixth Form College in Southampton has been charged with sexual offenses against a minor.

Paul Davis, 48, of Southampton’s Manor Road North, was accused of three counts of sexual activity and maltreatment with a girl under 16.

According to the police, the charges were related to acts that were allegedly committed against a single teenage girl between 2021 and 2022.

He is scheduled to appear on April 8 at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

Two former teachers also accused of sexual abuse

This development follows charges against two other former teachers from the same institution.

James Rouse, 48, of Lowford Hill Close, Southampton, previously pleaded not guilty to charges of non-recent child sexual abuse and is set to stand trial on November 3.

Additionally, Edward Waller, 65, of Winter Road, Southsea, was charged on January 28 with rape, abuse of a position of trust, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; his trial is scheduled for November 17.​

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has indicated that these charges are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse at St Anne’s Catholic School & Sixth Form College, involving former students between 2004 and 2006.

The school has acknowledged the severity of these charges and is cooperating with authorities.​

Upcoming trials

Paul Davis was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16. He is due to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates Court on 8 April.

Mr Rouse’s trial is expected to commence on 3 November, whereas Mr Waller’s is scheduled to begin on 17 November.

According to Hampshire Police, an additional former teacher is being investigated as part of the inquiry.

Frequently asked questions

What action should I take in the event of abuse?

If you or someone you know has been subjected to abuse, it’s crucial to report it to the police immediately. Abuse is a criminal act that requires thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities. Reporting can help prevent further harm and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.​

What is an historic abuse claim?

An historical abuse claim refers to seeking compensation for abuse – whether sexual or physical- that occurred in the past. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for both physical and psychological impacts, as well as any financial losses resulting from the abuse.​

Who will I bring the claim against?

Usually where you have suffered abuse in an educational setting, the claim will be brought against the organisation who owns or runs the school or college. Often this will be the local authority.

Some schools may be privately owned. Universities in England and Wales are not publicly owned, and the claim will normally be brought against Trustees of the university.

Will I have to face my abuser?

It is very unlikely that you will have to face your abuser, either in court or at any point in the claim.

Most claims are brought against the institution or organisation rather than the individual abuser themselves.

The claim will be handled by the organisation’s insurers or solicitors. It is unusual for the person who abused you to have to give evidence in a civil case.

I am a parent, and my child has suffered abuse at school recently. Can a claim be made now?

Yes. As the parent you will be able to deal with the claim on behalf of your child. Where a person under 18 brings a claim for compensation, they need to have what is known as a ‘Litigation Friend’.

If any compensation is recovered, it will in all cases be held by Court in a special account until the child reaches 18.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

The CICA is a government-funded authority that aims to compensate blameless victims of assault or other violent crimes. It was originally formed in 1996 with the sole purpose of providing compensation to blameless victims of violent crime.

The value of compensation that it offers for a single injury can vary from £1,000 up to £250,000, with a maximum total payment of £500,000 being available for a CICA claim.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors to make my claim?

After sustaining an assault, we understand that the last thing an individual wants to do is progress through a stressful claims experience.

At Oakwood Solicitors, we want to take away the stress of progressing with an assault claim while also helping you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

We will agree to work on your CICA claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.

Further reading

Abuse in Schools and Education – Oakwood Solicitors

Institutional Abuse – Oakwood Solicitors

Sexual Abuse/Domestic Abuse Claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Historic Abuse Claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Third ex-teacher charged in sex abuse inquiry – BBC

Ex-head teacher denies child sexual abuse charge – BBC

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