David Sykes (75) charged with child abuse of schoolkids in 1970s

David Sykes (75) of Gallow Tree Road, Brecks, is accused of grievous bodily harm without intent, indecent assault and conspiracy to commit child cruelty.

Eight men and women have been charged with crimes including conspiracy to commit buggery, indecent assault, conspiracy to commit child cruelty and occasioning actual bodily harm.

They were arrested following an investigation by West Mercia Police into allegations of child sexual and physical abuse at Rhydd Court School in Hanley Castle in Worcestershire.

The abuse is said to have taken place between the late 1970s and early 1990s.

Those charged are aged between 50 and 82 and are based across the country.

They are due to appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on August 4.