FORMER teacher Timothy Bleach, 76, of Hazel Walk, Petersfield, is to stand trail after pleading not guilty to 46 sex offences, at Portsmouth Crown Court last Friday.

Mr Bleach was charged in February with offences that included rape, gross indecency and indecent assault.

The offences relate to alleged acts involving six girls under the age of 13 in the 1970s, during which time Mr Bleach was a teacher at Weyford Junior School in Bordon.

He was released on bail pending his trial on Monday, November 7, at Portsmouth Crown Court.

The charges against him form part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing review of alleged non-recent child-sexual-exploitation and abuse cases. Following a national police action plan on child-sexual-exploitation cases, there was a request by Hampshire’s then Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes to examine the situation locally.

The review includes a re-examination of available evidence, and the offer of additional support, with partner agencies, to those affected by exploitation and abuse.

• Anyone with information can contact Operation Marmion detectives by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.