Former Pupils From Carmel College Came Forward To Support The Case

A retired French teacher and housemaster who taught at Carmel College in Oxfordshire has been convicted of sexually abusing eight schoolboys over a 20-year period and jailed for 19 years.

Trevor Bolton, 78, from Clacton-on-Sea was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault on boys aged 11 to 15 between 1968 and 1988.

Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said Bolton lived in a flat above the boys' dormitories.

"He abused his position of trust and took advantage of his status to systematically prey on vulnerable or homesick young boys by inviting them to his flat to watch TV and smoke."

Two survivors of the abuse have waived their right to anonymity and welcomed the conviction and sentence handed down.

Peter Gluckstein, 56, from London, told the BBC: “I'm stunned but glad. I feel even more vindicated.”

If you have been the victim of child abuse, our criminal injury solicitors could help you get justice and claim compensation. Visit our Child Abuse Compensation Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

This is yet another example of people in positions of trust, in this case a teacher, taking advantage of their access to young people to prey on them. <br/> <br/>“Understandably, the survivors of abuse have welcomed the conviction and sentence handed down to Bolton, but the top priority now is to ensure those affected are able to access any help and support they may need. <br/> <br/>“Cases such as this can help to highlight the issue of sexual abuse and help reassure those who suffered abuse that they will be listened to if they come forward, that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and that offenders will be brought to justice. Luke Daniels - Partner