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Cecil McCready former bandmaster at Gordon’s School pleads guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child

January 27th, 2017

A bagpipe-playing bandmaster at a £15,000-a-year boarding school which counts the Queen as a patron faces jail after admitting sexual activity with a girl.

Cecil McCready, who worked at Gordon’s School in Woking, Surrey, admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child.

The 56-year-old had been due to face trial today over three more counts of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration but it was cancelled at the last minute. 

Today, at Guildford Crown Court, a Judge Jonathan Black warned him he will be jailed, telling him: ‘On the facts of this case it does pass the custodial threshold.’  

McCready had worked at Gordon’s School for 16 years and led 50-strong drum band at the secondary, which is renowned for its music department. The band regularly performed at charity events and fetes.

He had admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child in July. His plea was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service at Guildford Crown Court today.

He had been due to face trial for four more offences but the victim changed her mind about giving evidence at the last minute, before the jury was sworn in.

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly: ‘Last year the defendant pleaded guilty to three offences of sexual activity with a child. The complainant and her family were spoken to and as a result the Crown were seeking a trial.

‘The views of the complainant were particularly important bearing in mind the sensitivity of the case. She was spoken to yesterday and she was upset, and so were her family.

‘In light of her views as expressed yesterday, and after consultation with police, the Crown are of the view that the pleas entered are acceptable.’

Defending, Sophie Shotton said: ‘The defence previously commissioned a psychiatric report regarding Mr McCready, given the various issues he has suffered from.’

Judge Jonathan Black said: ‘On the facts of this case it does pass the custodial threshold.’

Sentencing will take place at Guildford Crown court on March 3 2017.If you too have suffered or know somebody who has, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. All discussions will be held in the strictest of confidence.