Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding

The Bishop of Chichester, the Cathedral Chapter, and the headmasters of Prebendal School and Bishop Luffa School, wish to confirm that Mr David Gutteridge, sentenced on Wednesday at Harrow Crown Court, was a former employee at these schools and a former Secretary of the Chichester Cathedral Choristers’ Association.

Mr Gutteridge was employed at Prebendal School from 1976 to 1983, and at Bishop Luffa School from 1993 until 2000. The Bishop of Chichester, the Chapter and the headmasters of both schools believe it is important to acknowledge that a man who is now convicted of child sexual offences had a significant connection to these institutions. Anyone with any questions or concerns arising from this matter is invited to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Department of the Diocese of Chichester, to Nick Taunt, Headmaster at Bishop Luffa School, or to Tim Cannell, Headmaster at Prebendal School.

Additionally, anyone who has any concerns about any similar offences which might have happened in Sussex, can always contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 , quoting serial number 926 of 09/03/15 . Arrangements can be made to talk in confidence to experienced detectives and all information will be treated in confidence.