Man accused of abusing boys at Chichester school to appear in court

Piers Le Cheminant, 75, retired, of Spitchurch Manor Road, Poundgate, Newton Abbot, Devon, has been served with summons to appear at Worthing Magistrates Court on February 2 2021, on charges that between 1960 and 1980 he indecently assaulted ten boys at Oakwood Preparatory School, Chichester: and that between 1981 and 1985 he sexually assaulted five boys at Salisbury Cathedral School.

The prosecution, authorised by the CPS, follows an investigation by detectives from the Sussex Police Complex Abuse Unit, following information received for the first time in 2017.

Officers worked in co-operation with colleagues from Wiltshire Police.

Police emphasised that the allegations relate to a period ending more than 35 years ago, and have no connection with any current or recent staff, management or pupils at the schools. Current management at both schools have given full co-operation throughout the investigation.