A former secondary school PE teacher is facing a string of serious charges after being accused of offences involving three children over several years.
Teacher accused of multiple offences
Bronwen James, 29, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where she was charged with 13 offences. The charges include ten counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of sexual communication with a child, and one count relating to the making of an indecent image.
James had previously worked at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton.
The offences are alleged to have taken place over a three-year period, although further details about the time frame or the identities of the children involved have not been made public.
Court hears charges too serious for magistrates
At the short hearing, James confirmed her name, date of birth, and address before being told that the case would be transferred to the crown court. Chair of the bench Stephen Harrison explained that three of the offences are classed as indictable-only, meaning they must be heard by a judge and jury.
“The other 10 offences are associated offences,” he said. “They will also be included in the hearing at Salisbury Crown Court.”
James has not yet entered a plea. A plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for August 7.
Strict bail conditions set
Magistrates granted James bail but imposed strict conditions ahead of the next hearing. She was told she must not contact the three complainants either directly or indirectly and must not have any unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
Mr Harrison warned her: “If you don’t turn up to court at that appointed date and time, you may be committing an offence.”
James appeared calm throughout the proceedings and was pictured outside court following the hearing.
Image charge and public concern
One of the charges includes the making of an indecent photograph of a child. According to prosecutors, the image falls under Category C – the least severe of the legal categories – and is described as a first-generation image.
The case has already sparked concern in the communities where James previously taught. Police have not confirmed whether any of the alleged incidents are connected to her work at the two schools.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Next steps in investigation
With her next court appearance now set, detectives are expected to continue gathering evidence in preparation for a potential trial. A full list of the charges will be considered by Salisbury Crown Court next month.
As the legal process continues, safeguarding teams at relevant schools are understood to be offering support to any pupils or families affected by the case.
James remains on bail and will return to court on August 7.
