Ex teacher at West London Free School accused of engaging in sexual activity with underage girls

A former teacher at Toby Young’s free school has appeared in court charged with engaging in sexual activity with underage girls.

Ben Breakwell, 39, faces 36 charges relating to three girls, including sexual assault and taking indecent photographs.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard his alleged victims were three girls he had ‘relationships’ with while teaching at the West London Free School in Hammersmith between 2014 and 2017. 

Many of the alleged offences were committed within the school and at “a nearby address,” the court heard.  

Four of the allegations relate to alleged taking or making indecent images while the other 32 relate to alleged sexual activity with three girls.

Breakwell, of Monkgate, York, North Yorkshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth, and to confirm his nationality as British.

There was no plea from Breakwell as he stood in the dock wearing a dark grey suit, white shirt and red tie. 

However, his lawyer indicated he intended to plead not guilty when he appears at Crown Court.

Julie Idowu, prosecuting, said: ‘The incidents arise out of the defendant having a relationship with three students whilst he was a teacher at the West London Free School in Hammersmith.

‘The Crown do note that the defendant has been under investigation for a significant period and, indeed, that he has answered to court today.’ 

Breakwell, who now works as a singer, was released on bail until his next appearance at Isleworth Crown Court on April 6.