Man charged with non-recent child sexual abuse offence at Southampton school

A 48-year-old Southampton man has been charged with alleged non-recent child sexual abuse in Southampton.

The charges follow allegations of child sexual abuse, by those in a position of trust, against former pupils at St. Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College in 2006.

Former head teacher, James Edwin Rouse, aged 48, of Lowford Hill Close in Southampton, who will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on 13 January 2025, has been charged with abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a child.

Four former teachers currently remain under investigation following similar reports of non-recent child sexual abuse at St. Anne’s Catholic school and Sixth Form College.

This follows a thorough and robust investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Marmion team, who investigate allegations of non-recent sexual abuse perpetrated within institutions or by people of prominence.

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.

***

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones funds the Victim Care Hub for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  Victims of crime and anyone impacted by crime can access support which is free, confidential and independent so you don’t have to report to the police to ask for help.  Anyone impacted by sexual abuse or any other crime, can access help and support by contacting the Victim Care Hub on 0808 178 1641 or [email protected] Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.  Outside of those times or if you live outside Hampshire call 0808-168 9111 or live chat www.victimsupport.org.uk/livechat

Hampshire and IOW

Phone:                 0808 178 1641  8am-8pm Monday to Saturday:

Email:                  [email protected]

National

Phone:                 0808 168 9111 24/7

Live chat:        www.victimsupport.org.uk/livechat