Ex-teacher Sally-Anne Bowen found not guilty of one indecent assault charge

Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, has been found not guilty of one of seven charges of indecent assault at Harrow Crown Court. The jury was directed by Judge Karim Ezzat to acquit her on this specific count. Bowen denies all remaining charges, which relate to alleged assaults on two boys under 16 when she was a teacher at Christ's College, Finchley.

Allegations and Defence

The court heard allegations that one boy had sexual intercourse with Bowen approximately 20 to 30 times over several months. He told the jury he visited her home and considered her his girlfriend. Bowen denies these claims, stating that the boy has fabricated the story and that there was no sexual activity. She told the court she felt "harassed" by this alleged victim and denied any relationship, asserting it was strictly a student-teacher dynamic.

Bowen, who began teaching at the all-boys school in the late 1980s, suggested that as a young female teacher she attracted attention from students due to her perceived youth and attractiveness. She described her attire at the time as fitted skirts, not miniskirts, and baggy tops. She denied any overtly sexual conduct, including claims she allowed pupils to look up her skirt or discussed oral sex with them.

Medical Condition and Further Denials

The defence presented that Bowen has a medical condition that made sexual intercourse difficult and painful, which went undiagnosed in the late 1980s. She stated she became aware of this condition around 1990 and believes she has a low libido with no sex drive. Regarding the second alleged victim, who claimed Bowen kissed him and allowed him to touch her breasts, Bowen also denied these allegations. She stated she did not remember the boy, even after he gave evidence in court, saying, "I haven’t got a clue who he is."

Trial Continues

The trial continues at Harrow Crown Court. Bowen maintains her innocence on all remaining counts.