A FORMER Romsey teacher is due to appear in court to face allegations of historic child sex offences.

Hubert Francis Hallman, 82, will face four charges of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on December 20, 2018.

In a statement Hampshire Constabulary said Hallman, of Highfield Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, was a teacher at Stroud School in Romsey at the time of the alleged offences in the 1960s.

The school is an independent co-educational preparatory school.

Joel Worrall, headmaster at Stroud School, said: “We are all appalled by the news that a former teacher of the school from the 1960s has been charged with indecent assault and our thoughts are with the victim. Although the offences date back some 50 years when the school was under different ownership, hearing our good school named alongside these historic allegations is very upsetting. We extend our sympathies to those affected by this and admire their courage for reporting the issues to the authorities. There is no place in society for any form of abuse, particularly by those in positions of power, trust and authority.”

The school changed ownership in 2012 and is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, an association with 700 prep schools in membership.

Mr Worrall said: “We have been working closely with the police to support this investigation as best we can, bearing in mind the extended passage of time and the change of ownership in 2012. So while I am unfortunately unable to shed much light on what happened before 2012, I can confidently say that safeguarding is without question the number one priority at Stroud School and every care is taken to ensure that we provide a safe, secure and well-regulated educational environment for our pupils.”

Parents at the school have been informed and have praised the way the school dealt with the news.

Nick Adams-King, deputy council leader at Test Valley Borough Council, said his daughter attends Stroud School.

He added: “I have confidence in the school and I think they have dealt with it perfectly. It was a long time ago. The school is a very different place now. But if anybody is around that can add to this investigation is important they come forward and receive the help they might need.”

A statement released by Hampshire Constabulary reads: “We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of this type of abuse to contact police on 101 where you can speak with an officer in confidence.”