Nick Clegg’s former headmaster convicted of abusing five young boys at top prep school

Roland Wright molested the children and simulated sex with them between 1959 and 1970

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg (GETTY IMAGES)

Nick Clegg’s former headmaster has been convicted of abusing five young boy pupils at one of Britain’s most revered prep school.

Roland Wright molested the children and simulated sex with them in his own bed at Caldicott Prep School between 1959 and 1970. The former headteacher, 83, was found guilty at Amersham Crown Court of 10 counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child.

He was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault by a jury and will be sentenced on February 6. His conviction comes after fellow former teachers John Addrison and Hugh Henry pleaded guilty to sex abuse, it can now be reported.

The elite boarding school, for children aged 7 to 13, charges annual fees £20,000 and sends pupils to some of the country’s leading independent schools. As well as Mr Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, its alumni include former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss.

An ex-pupil who was joint head boy with Mr Clegg in 1980 told The Times of regularly being touched improperly by the headmaster during meals. Mr Clegg has responded, telling the newspaper that he was “shocked and appalled by the gross betrayal and violation of childhood innocence shown to have taken place”.

He added: “These reports will disturb everyone, but most especially those, like myself, who were pupils at the school and were entirely unaware that such abuse was taking place. I can only imagine the devastating impact that such abuse must have had on the young boys who were affected. My heart goes out to them.”

Detective Sergeant Joe Banfield said: “I am delighted that the jury has found Roland Peter Wright guilty of 12 charges. This result would not have occurred without the support of the many victims and witnesses in this case, who bravely gave evidence and provided statements.

”Many of the victims and witnesses had to travel long distances to court, in some cases from different continents, in order to see justice served. I would also like to thank staff at Caldicott Boys' Preparatory School for their continued support to Thames Valley Police whilst it investigated these claims. The investigation would not have succeeded without their assistance.”