Teacher convicted of indecently assaulting two pupils

Chemistry teacher Sally-Anne Bowen has been convicted of indecently assaulting two male pupils. The jury at Harrow Crown Court returned majority verdicts finding the 65-year-old guilty of seven counts of indecent assault.

The assaults took place in the late 1980s when the pupils were approximately 14 to 15 years old and Bowen was in her mid-20s. Bowen taught at Christ's College in Finchley, north London.

Details of the assaults

One complainant told the court he had sexual intercourse with Bowen approximately 20 to 30 times over several months. He stated he visited Bowen's home, considered her his girlfriend, and had fallen in love. The complainant said he kept the relationship secret because Bowen had instructed him not to tell anyone.

The second complainant reported that Bowen kissed him once in a cafe after he was goaded by other boys. Evidence presented to the jury also included testimony from a former pupil who described Bowen's classroom behaviour and conversation as "sexually provocative" and straying from the subject of chemistry.

Court proceedings and sentencing

The jury deliberated for six hours and 29 minutes before returning its majority verdicts. Bowen, who appeared in court dressed in a black skirt, purple shirt, and black blazer, did not display emotion as the verdicts were read. She claimed the allegations were a "total fabrication" and stated she had a medical condition that made sexual intercourse difficult and painful for her, which had not been diagnosed at the time of the alleged incidents.

Bowen, who resides in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was granted bail. Her sentence hearing is scheduled for November 20.