A FORMER teacher has been jailed for three years for sexual offences in the 1990s. 

Nicholas Martin Eggington of Plantation Close, Arnold, Nottingham was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a male child and two counts of gross indecency with a male child.

The 58-year-old was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court, on Friday, December 2 for offences relating to a single victim which occurred between 1992 and 1993 at the Cheam School in Headley on the Berkshire/ Basingstoke and Deane border, where Eggington taught between 1987 and 1993.

The former teacher was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Officer in case detective constable Craig Ferguson said: “This was a very detailed investigation which required the continued strength and support of the victim and his family.

“The Jury in the case heard how Eggington had used his platform as a Head of Department and ‘friend’ to the victim to create opportunities to be alone with him.

“Eggington abused the child sexually on a number of occasions both within the store cupboard of his faculty classroom, the darkroom for the photography club and within a secluded area of the school grounds near to a flowing river known as ‘camps’ by the pupils.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim and to commend him for the courage and resolve he has demonstrated throughout this difficult investigation."

He added: “I am aware that this case was at times very difficult for the victim and his family but I hope now that we have seen justice he can start to try to rebuild his life and move on.

“Hampshire Constabulary remains absolutely committed to supporting the victims of non-recent sexual abuse and bringing to justice those responsible”