Ben Breakwell accused of engaging in sexual activity with girls as young as thirteen

A former teacher at a Hammersmith school has appeared in court charged with engaging in sexual activity with underage girls.

Ben Breakwell, 39, faces a total of 36 charges relating to three girls, including sexual assault and taking indecent photographs.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard his alleged victims were three girls aged 13 to 16 he had 'relationships' with while teaching at the school between 2014 and 2017.

The court heard that many of the alleged offences were committed within the school and at 'a nearby address'.

Four of the allegations relate to alleged taking or making indecent images while the other 32 relate to alleged sexual activity with three girls.

Breakwell, of Monkgate, York, North Yorkshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth, and to confirm his nationality as British. He did not enter a plea but his legal representative informed the court that his intention was to plead not guilty when the case is tried at Crown Court.

An investigation into his activities began in 2017 and is being led by specialist officers from the West Area Command Unit.

Breakwell, who now works as a singer, was released on bail until his next appearance at Isleworth Crown Court on April 6.

11 March 2020