A former teacher has been charged by detectives investigating non-recent sexual offences in Southampton.

Leo Norman, 45, of Peartree Avenue, Southampton, has been charged with four counts of abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a girl, and one count of abuse of position of trust: causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

The charges relate to offences that are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019 against three teenage girls.

They come following enquiries of child sexual abuse, by those in a position of trust, against former pupils at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College.

Mr Norman is a former teacher at the school.

He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday 7 July. 

We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police on 101 where you can speak with a police officer in confidence referencing Op Stonecrop or by submitting information online by going to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23M03-PO1 quoting reference number 44230175402.

Anyone impacted by sexual abuse or any other crime, can access free, confidential and independent help and support by contacting the Victim Care Hub on 0808 178 1641 or Hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.

Outside of those times, or if you live outside Hampshire, you can call 0808 168 9111 or live chat www.victimsupport.org.uk/livecha

The CPS and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.