Ex-ITV Weatherman Convicted Of Assaults On Boys In 1970s

Former television weatherman Fred Talbot has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction for assaults on two former pupils while a teacher at Altrincham Grammar School.

The 65-year-old from Greater Manchester was convicted of the charges, which are believed to have taken place in 1975 and 1976 when he worked as a biology teacher at the school, in February following a three-week trial.

Talbot is best known for presenting the weather on ITV’s This Morning from a floating map at Albert Dock in Liverpool.

Passing the sentence today (March 13th), judge Timothy Mort said Talbot had “deliberately and indecently assaulted the two of them for your own gratification”.

Det Ch Insp Graham Brock of Greater Manchester Police said: “Put simply, these offences reflect an abhorrent abuse of trust by a man who has proven to have no regard for the innocence of youth he was employed to nurture."

Expert Opinion

Today’s sentencing sends out a clear message that the authorities will always work to tackle crimes of this nature – and the lasting effect that they have on victims – regardless of the length of time which has passed since they occurred.

"Victims of abuse in these circumstances often have had to live with significant psychological trauma for a great number of years, feeling unable to share what they have been through. With this in mind, it is vital that victims of abuse always have access to the support they need to try and come to terms with their ordeals." Tracey Storey - Partner

We are committed to pursuing child abuse cases to the best possible outcome, without causing any additional psychological trauma to those affected. See our Child Abuse Claims page for more information or call 0370 150 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim.