RETIRED teacher Peter Hamilton-Leggett was due to appear in crown court today (Friday, October 4) to face 36 charges of child sex abuse.

Hamilton-Leggett, 58, of Old Station Lane, Yelverton, Devon, was committed to Swindon Crown Court on Thursday after a brief appearance at Trowbridge Magistrates' Court.

The retired biology and chemistry teacher did not speak during the committal procedure.

After five minutes he was released on conditional bail and left the court with his solicitor, Stephen Clifford.

The 36 charges are against 11 former pupils of two private schools.

All the alleged victims were aged between 10 and 13 at the time of the offences. They are now aged between 28 and 41.

As children, nine boys attended the Old Ride Preparatory School, in Bath Road, Bradford on Avon, which is now closed.

Hamilton-Leggett faces 36 charges; four counts of serious sexual assault, nine counts of gross indecency, 21 counts of indecent assault, one count of an attempted serious sexual assault and one count of assault with intent to commit a serious sexual assault.

CID case officer DS Dave Martin has received calls from ex-teachers and students at The Old Ride Preparatory School after appealing for help.

Pupils and teachers who attended the school from September 1970 to July 1974 and September 1982 to July 1985, are being urged to come forward.

DS Martin is also appealing for information from any former pupils who attended the Lambrook School in Bracknell, Berkshire, between September 1975 and July 1979 or The Old Mount School in Tavistock, Devon, between September 1985 and July 2001. He is asking ex-pupils to contact him on (01225) 763101 ext 591.