A TRIAL date has been set by a judge in the case of former teachers accused of child cruelty and sexual abuse at a boarding school over more than a decade.

Eight people who are alleged to have been involved in physical and sexual abuse at Rhydd Court School, Hanley Castle, between the late 1970s and early 1990s, appeared at Worcester Crown Court for the latest hearing of the case. 

The defendants - including some who appeared on a videolink - spoke only to confirm their names during a short hearing on Friday, (October 28).

Worcester News: COURT: Marie Handy, David Sykes and Charmaine James all stand accused of a conspiracy to abuse children. Picture: James ConnellCOURT: Marie Handy, David Sykes and Charmaine James all stand accused of a conspiracy to abuse children. Picture: James Connell (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

All eight are charged with conspiracy to commit child cruelty - to assault, ill-treat, neglect or abandon a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury between January 1, 1979 and July 31, 1991.

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Anita Gunning, 59, of Federation Road, Plymouth; Cynthia Moore, 81, of Diddies, Bude; Marie Handy, 51, of Eckington Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury; Michael Connor, 69, of Bedford Farm Court, Wakefield; Terence Heath, 74, of Rhydd, Hanley Castle; John Dixon, 82, of Storeys Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness; David Sykes, 76, of Gallow Tree Road, Rotherham and Charmaine James, 62, of West Scotstown, Rathven, Buckie - also face additional charges. 

Worcester News: COURT: The eight defendants appeared at Worcester Crown CourtCOURT: The eight defendants appeared at Worcester Crown Court

During the hearing the court heard the indictment may change.

Due to this Judge James Burbidge KC did not ask the defendants for their pleas.

The judge said a hearing would be set when the defendants would need to appear at the court to give their pleas. 

Judge Burbidge added, for those who plead not guilty, they would face a trial on January 8, 2024 at Worcester Crown Court.