Former school caretaker on trial over multiple sex offence charges against children

Graham Tudgay, of Green Lane, Little Witcombe, Gloucestershire, faces multiple charges.

The 64-year-old has denied causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault on a female and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15.

Tudgay, now is accused of committing these offences on the same day in February 2024 in Swindon.

The two alleged victims are understood to have been 15-years-old at the time.

His address was previously given as 29 School House, located at Gorse Hill Primary and Nursery School in Avening Street, Swindon,

Tudgay’s trial was due to start on Monday, August 10 at Swindon Crown Court.

At the time, a spokesperson for Gorse Hill Primary, a member of the White Horse Federation of schools, said the allegations do not involve pupils of the school.

The spokesperson said: “We have written to families to make them aware that a former caretaker at Gorse Hill has appeared in court this morning with charges of child sex offences against two teenage girls.

“This has come as distressing news to all of us, and we have confirmed with our families that no pupils from Gorse Hill were involved.

“We have worked closely with the police throughout the investigation, including confirming that when he joined the academy, all safeguarding checks were completed in full.

“This is obviously very upsetting news for everyone in our school community, and it’s at times like this that we need to come together with care and consideration for everyone.

“Gorse Hill is a strong and nurturing community, and we will come through this together.”

Lancs Gazette Series | Gloucestershire