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Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:40 pm
by LHA
I expect others are now aware of this.

See Headmaster's letter.

Hopefully their sentences will reflect the severity of their crimes
Dear Old Blue,

I have undertaken to keep you updated on the criminal justice proceedings that relate to allegations of non-recent abuse at the School and so write to follow up the letter to you from my predecessor, sent in July, which provided information about charges against four former teachers.

Since then, another former teacher, Peter Burr, has pleaded guilty on 11 October at Lewes Crown Court to nine counts of indecent assault against boys at the School between 1969 and 1972. He is due to be sentenced on 8 November.

Peter Webb, who pleaded guilty last month to 11 counts of indecent assault on boys at the School between 1974 and 1984, appeared for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 12 October, but the judge delayed passing sentence until 2 November.

As I have said previously, my thoughts are with those who suffered at the hands of adults who, to commit these offences, took advantage of the trust placed in them. I have no doubt that it has taken great courage for survivors to come forward and, by assisting the police, bring to justice those who made them suffer.

We are committed to ensuring that the experience of every pupil at Christ’s Hospital is positive, a safe and happy one. While I have absolute confidence that the processes and procedures we have in place today are effective and were deemed as such by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, I recognise that there is no room for complacency where safeguarding is concerned. It remains a priority for the School and we will continue to challenge ourselves to ensure that Christ’s Hospital provides the safest and happiest possible environment for our students.

We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse to come forward. A report can be made in a number of ways:

Our dedicated email address – safeguarding@christs-hospital.org.uk – is staffed by a small team of specialists who can respond to your concerns or pass them on to the relevant authorities. All approaches will be dealt with sympathetically and in complete confidence.
Sussex police can be reached on 01273 470101.
There are a number of organisations providing support for victims of child sexual abuse including NAPAC (the National Association of People Abused in Childhood) on 0808 801 0331 and the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Please be assured that I will continue to keep Old Blues informed on these matters as far as I am able. This may be by individual letter or by notice posted on the CHOBA website at www.choba.org.uk.

My best wishes.

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 3:52 am
by blueeyedboy
In 1979 at university I met a fellow undergrad who had been at the school Burr taught at after he left CH. His unprompted concerns at Burr's behaviour there echoed the rumours that circulated CH during Burr's time at Horsham. This has worried me greatly for nearly 40 years now - was Burr warned off from CH but allowed to find another school to employ him without full disclosure of why he left? The school he moved to is alas lost to my memory, but perhaps someone here will know.

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 2:30 pm
by J.R.
Charges in CH historical offences - PLEASE AVOID DISCUSSION ON CH FORUM

May I just remind you of Julians post of July. Charges in CH historical offences - PLEASE AVOID DISCUSSION ON CH FORUM

I think it may well be in the interest of the School, Staff, Parents and victims until after ALL the cases have been heard and sentences have been handed down. I feel sure the tabloid press will eventually have a field-day which won't bode well for C.H.

John Rutley. Forum Moderator.

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 11:06 pm
by LHA
HI John

Thanks for this. I understand why you are saying this but I do think it is reasonable for people now to discuss Burr and Webb. Obviously no one should be discussing the cases of anyone who might yet be awaiting trial, or any live investigations. But Burr and Webb have accepted guilt. I fear (and I would have the same to say of the Old Blue facebook groups) that given the gravity of the men's offences (and it is now a matter of record the they were guilty) it is understandable that people will want to discuss this. Shutting down all discussion is unhealthy, and people will rightly want to share how they are feeling. As long as nothing is said that prejudices the outcome of any as yet not concluded criminal justice process that is all well and good. If there was never any public discussion about 'non-recent' child abuse, then no abusers would ever be brought to justice. The earlier poster makes a pertinent point. CH does need to provide answers about what was known about these men at the time. Burr for example was allowed to come back to join the Scouts on holidays until well into the 1990s. What on earth was going on there?

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 12:45 pm
by richardb
I started at the school in September 1971 and so I knew both of these men as teachers at the school.

I knew nothing of the reasons for Burr leaving but did hear that Webb left suddenly.

Looking back, it is unbelievable that these men were allowed to take pupils on unchaperoned boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads.

I think that Webb's preferences were both obvious and well known.

The sentencing guidelines which the judge will have to follow require him/her to reflect the gross breach of trust that underscores the offending of both men.

As both have admitted what they have done, why shouldn't their misconduct be debated ?

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 1:06 pm
by richardb
At some stage in the late 1970s Burr turned up at the Oratory School near Reading.

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 3:59 pm
by J.R.
Once again, I must ask posters to consider their posts on this thread. I have asked JT for his opinion.

Re: Peter Burr and Peter Webb - GUILTY pleas

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:35 pm
by jtaylor
I am locking this post, mainly because as moderators we don’t have the expert knowledge to know what’s acceptable and what’s not to debate around this at this point. It may be that other allegations and cases are pending and being investigated.
I’d again encourage anyone who has any information about the cases to contact the police directly.

As a moderated forum, we’re keen to avoid anything prejudicial or inappropriate - thus why we’re keen it isn’t discussed here. By all means use other social media forums if you wish, over over which we have no influence, but please avoid discussion on here.

Thanks.