Indecent assault case against teacher ‘relies on gossip’, jurors told
The case against a teacher accused of having sexual relationships with two pupils in the late 1980s “relies on gossip and rumour,” jurors have been told
Last updated 26th Aug 2026
The case against a teacher accused of having sexual relationships with two pupils in the late 1980s “relies on gossip and rumour,” jurors have been told.
Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, is alleged to have indecently assaulted both boys when they were aged around 14 to 15 and she was in her mid-20s, her trial at Harrow Crown Court heard.
She taught chemistry at the all-boys Christ’s College in Finchley, north London, where she drew a lot of student attention as a young female teacher, the court heard.
One complainant alleged he had sex with her “about 20 or 30 times” over several months, had visited her at her home, considered her to be his girlfriend and had fallen in love – allegations Bowen told the court were “total fabrication” and “the workings of a fantasy”.
The second complainant alleged he and Bowen kissed once in a cafe when he was “goaded” by other boys – but Bowen told the trial she does not remember this student and does not know who he is.
Delivering his closing speech on Wednesday, defence barrister Mark Kimsey told jurors: “Ms Bowen is adamant she was not engaged in any sexual activity with any schoolboy.
“She is disgusted by the allegations"
“He (the first complainant) is a fantasist – the events did not happen, and neither did those claimed by the second complainant.
“They (the prosecution) seek to rely on gossip and rumour to fill the void.”
During the trial, jurors heard that Bowen had a medical condition which, in the late 1980s, had not been diagnosed and which made intercourse difficult and painful for her.
“She has had to stand in front of you and discuss in graphic detail her sex life and how her rare medical condition makes it painful for her to have sexual intercourse,” Mr Kimsey said.
Jurors also heard that a consultant gynaecologist instructed by the defence concluded, following an internal examination of Ms Bowen, that “the alleged sexual activities were feasible” but could be painful.
Mr Kimsey said the expert’s conclusion put into question the first alleged victim’s claims that he had “vigorous sexual intercourse” with Bowen.
“His account simply cannot not be true,” Mr Kimsey told jurors, adding: “Ms Bowen does not know why he made those allegations – how can she?
“She denies them. She denies any with either of the men involved"
“But a fantasist, somebody who is obsessive, does not think like you and I.”
Mr Kimsey also told jurors the complainant previously told his story in a podcast, and when asked what he would do if he met Bowen again, replied: “I might want to hug her, I might want to kiss her, I might want to f*** her, I might want to punch her in the face, I might want to cry.”
The defence lawyer added: “He is not a victim here – he’s a dangerous, dangerous fantasist.
“He blurred reality with imagination.”
The trial heard Bowen believed in hindsight she had been “too friendly” with students.
“She was young and naive and simply wanted to be friends with the students – a common mistake made by young teachers,” Mr Kimsey told the jurors.
Bowen, of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, denies seven counts of indecent assault against two boys.
The trial continues.