Former Horsham Teacher Jailed for Historic Sexual Abuse
A former teacher and chaplain at a Horsham public school has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against a pupil dating back nearly three decades. Gary Dobbie, 67, now living in France, was found guilty at Hove Crown Court after a nine-day trial.
Nine-Day Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict
Dobbie was convicted on four counts of sexual assault against a boy in his care between 28 and 31 years ago. The verdict came on Friday, 3 May, at Hove Crown Court. This latest conviction adds to a previous June 2023 conviction where Dobbie was found guilty of 15 offences against eight other pupils, aged 12 to 19, committed mostly between 1991 and 1996.
Long-Running Abuse Spans Decades
The charges stem from historic assaults against multiple pupils during his time at the school. A new complaint surfaced in 2018, leading to Dobbie’s arrest and subsequent trial for further abuse dating between 1986 and 1991. The victim, then aged 13 to 17, suffered abuse on multiple occasions.
Sentenced to 12 Years, Lifetime Sex Offender Registration
Dobbie was remanded in custody and set to be sentenced on Wednesday, 12 June. He will face a combined sentence for all 19 offences. Ultimately, he received a total of 12 years behind bars and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
“Dobbie preyed on the vulnerabilities of his victims for his own sexual gratification,” said Detective Sergeant Rebecca Wilde of Sussex Police’s Complex Abuse Unit. “This has been a very complex and sensitive investigation with victims showing real courage to come forward.”
“The offences date back between 17 and 32 years and do not involve current staff or pupils. Sussex Police have received full cooperation from Christ’s Hospital School throughout the investigation.”
“We urge anyone affected by sexual abuse, past or present, to come forward. You can contact us online or call 101 to speak confidentially with experienced officers.”
