Ex-PE teacher charged with sex offences against three children appears in court
A former PE teacher has appeared in court accused of a series of sexual offences involving three children as young as 14.
Bronwen James, 29, is charged with 13 offences said to have taken place over a three-year period while she worked at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton.
James appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court where she confirmed her name, date of birth and address. The case has now been sent to Salisbury Crown Court for further hearings later this year.
Allegations spanning three years
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege James engaged in sexual activity with two girls aged 14 and 15, and a 16-year-old boy while in a position of trust between August 2021 and June 2022.
She is also accused of making an indecent image of a child and engaging in sexual communications with a girl aged between 13 and 15.
Police say the alleged offending involves three separate complainants, all of whom were under 18 at the time.
Police statement
Wiltshire Police confirmed the charges in a statement, saying the case relates to “sexual activity and communications against three children over a three-year period”.
The force said James had been employed as a PE teacher at both Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton during the time of the alleged offences.
Bail conditions imposed
Magistrates granted James bail with strict conditions. She is banned from contacting any of the complainants and must not have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
She is due to appear at Salisbury Crown Court on 7 August.
Safeguarding procedures
The allegations have triggered safeguarding processes at the schools involved. In cases of this nature, schools typically work with police and local authorities to ensure support is available for pupils and families affected by an investigation.
There is no suggestion that any other staff members are under investigation.
Case now with Crown Court
The case will now progress through the Crown Court, where James will be asked to enter pleas to the charges.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations have not been proven and she is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
Further hearings are expected in the coming months.