Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, is on trial at Harrow Crown Court, accused of sexually abusing two teenage boys nearly 40 years ago when she taught chemistry at the all-boys Christ’s College in Finchley, north London. Bowen has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of indecent assault.
One accuser testified that he had sexual intercourse with Bowen approximately 20 to 30 times over several months, beginning when he was 14 or 15 years old. He told the court that he believed he was in love with her and considered her his girlfriend. Bowen, who was in her mid-20s at the time of the alleged incidents, described the accusations as a "total fabrication" and "the workings of a fantasy."
When questioned about why the accuser had come forward more than three decades later, Bowen stated she had no idea and suggested he may have had a crush on her. She also claimed that as one of the few young female teachers, she was the target of inappropriate remarks from students, but she ignored them.
The second accuser alleged that he and Bowen kissed in a cafe after being goaded by other students, and he recalled touching her breasts. Bowen stated she did not recognize this accuser.
During cross-examination, the prosecution suggested Bowen's attire at the time included "tight tops" and "mini skirts." She denied this, asserting that the skirts she wore would not have been considered mini skirts and that she "would not have been allowed to get away with very short skirts."
One accuser likened Bowen's classroom demeanor and dress to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, referencing her 2023 "Feather" music video. Bowen denied ever seeing boys looking at pornography in her classroom, stating the only magazine she confiscated was a football magazine. She admitted to wanting to be liked by her students, acknowledging she was young and it was her first teaching job.
Bowen is facing seven charges related to indecent assault against two former pupils. She denies all charges.