July 2014
Former Longton school governor convicted of sexually assaulting a girl twice
Shamed Anthony Tams abused his position of trust to sexually assault a girl twice.
Tams, pictured above, has been banned from working with children and vulnerable adults.
The 66-year-old former school governor must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next seven years and was handed a suspended prison sentence.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Tams, of Warrington Road, Hanley, was a governor at Sandford Hill Primary School, near Longton, when he committed the offence.
The court heard the girl – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was left frightened and saddened at having to give evidence at Tams’s trial last month.
The jury convicted Tams of two sexual assaults on a child. He was cleared of six other sex assault allegations.
Nick Tatlow, mitigating, said Tams, who has no previous convictions, does not accept his guilt but will co-operate with the authorities and carry out unpaid work.
Mr Tatlow said: “He has a positive, even exemplary, character to rely upon.
“He has dedicated a great deal of his life to the service of his community for little reward.
“It was two touchings, minor of their kind.”
Judge Paul Glenn dismissed claims included in a pre-sentence report that Tams was a danger to children.
He added: “You had been a governor for years. A former head of the school speaks of the immense role you played at that school for many years.
“Your offending was far from sophisticated. The touching lasted on her account for five seconds over clothing.
“Your involvement as a school governor and volunteer meant you came into regular contact with children. You knew as well as anybody could know the importance of not abusing the trust. You did so on two occasions.”
Tams was handed a four-month jail term, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.
The case has stunned staff at the Clayfield Grove school.
Headteacher David Wardle said: “Anthony Tams has not been involved in the school governing body for some time.
“The school takes safeguarding issues seriously, and works closely with the local authority and the police when there are safeguarding concerns.
“I am saddened by this case but want to reassure parents that we are absolutely committed to delivering education in a safe and secure environment.”
Staffordshire Police today praised the bravery of the girl who gave evidence against Tams.
