Former Cranbrook teacher sexually abused pupil during 1980s

A former Cranbrook teacher who sexually abused a pupil during the 1980s has been sentenced to prison.

Simon Montgomery exploited his position as a boarding school housemaster and science teacher to repeatedly assault a young boy under his care.

Montgomery taught at what was then referred to as Dulwich College Preparatory School.

He began grooming his victim by instructing him to stay behind after lessons, before showing him explicit magazines.

This moved on to repeated instances of sexual abuse in both the classroom and at a nearby sports facility. 

Confessions

Allegations were reported to Kent Police in December 2022 and Montgomery was arrested. He confessed to officers during interviews, confirming the victim’s name before being asked.

Montgomery, of Littlefield Road, Rainham, Gillingham was charged with two counts of indecent assault and gross indecency with a child.

A further charge was added of making indecent images of a child, in connection with material found on one of his digital devices. 

The 70-year-old pleaded guilty and on 19 December 2024 was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and four months’ imprisonment.

He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order. 

Incalculable damage

Detective Constable Emma Coghlan said:

‘Whilst Montgomery appears to have shown genuine remorse for his actions, sex offenders like him wreak incalculable damage on their victims, many who will suffer in silence for years, or throughout their whole lives. ‘Thankfully in this case the victim has shown extraordinary courage to come forward. This sentence will clearly not take away the emotional and physical trauma he was forced to endure as a child, but it will hopefully bring some closure. ‘I would also like to remind anyone who has been a victim of abuse that it is never too late to report any sexual offence. You will be supported by specially trained, compassionate and understanding officers throughout the process, and we always treat any information with the utmost confidence and sensitivity.'