Former Finchley teacher on trial for indecent assault of two pupils in 1980s

A former teacher at Christ's College in Finchley is standing trial for indecent assault against two pupils during the late 1980s. Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, faces eight counts relating to boys who were aged 14 and 15 at the time of the alleged offences. The trial began at Harrow Crown Court this week.

Bowen taught at the school when the incidents are said to have taken place. The prosecution alleges she engaged in sexual relationships with the boys, including kissing one complainant on multiple occasions and having sex with the other approximately 20 to 30 times.

Prosecution outlines case

Prosecutor Madeleine Wolfe told the court that Bowen exploited her position of trust. Wolfe said the prosecution does not suggest Bowen forced herself on either boy but argues she sexualised her relationships with them for her own gratification. This Is Local London reported Wolfe’s statement to the jury.

One complainant told the court he viewed Bowen as his girlfriend and believed he had fallen in love with her. He said she made him feel special by spending lunchtimes with him at a nearby café. Over several months, he visited her home where they had sex, the court heard.

The boy’s mother raised concerns with the school after growing suspicious of the relationship. Wolfe said the mother was told Bowen no longer worked at the school but was not given a reason for her departure. Bowen later told the boy she was moving to Israel to live on a kibbutz, leaving him heartbroken, according to the prosecution.

The second complainant recalled spending lunchtimes with Bowen at the same café. He told the court he was goaded into kissing her by other boys and remembered touching her breasts while they sat together. On several occasions, he walked her home and they kissed before parting, the jury heard.

Wolfe told the jury the issue is not whether the boys appeared willing or flattered at the time. The prosecution argues Bowen crossed boundaries that existed to protect pupils at the school in the 1980s, knowing her position and their vulnerability.

What happens next

The trial at Harrow Crown Court is expected to continue. No date has been set for its conclusion. Bowen denies all eight counts of indecent assault.