The husband of a teacher accused of sexually seducing her former pupils has told her trial that she has a medical condition which means sexual intercourse is limited in duration. Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, faces seven counts of indecent assault related to alleged relationships with two teenage boys while teaching chemistry at Christ's College, Finchley, north London, in the late 1980s.
Darren Lee Scotchbrook, Bowen's husband of 36 years, testified at Harrow Crown Court that his wife has a congenital condition that affects sexual intimacy. He stated that while they have maintained a sexual relationship throughout their marriage, it requires care and is brief. "She asked me to be quick. Then I was quick. I was never a great lover. I have always been quick," Scotchbrook told the court, describing their first sexual encounter as different and involving discomfort for Bowen.
Scotchbrook met Bowen when he was around 20 and she was 28. He recounted that during their first date, she was reluctant to have sex with him. He characterized their sexual relationship as less enjoyable for Bowen, who was often reluctant, and also caused him discomfort.
Prosecutors had previously suggested that Bowen dressed in a sexually suggestive manner, akin to a music video. However, Bowen denied these claims, telling the jury that her skirts were typically only slightly above her knee and that she was in her mid-20s at the time. She also stated she would not have dressed like Margaret Thatcher.
Bowen has pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was previously cleared of one count of indecent assault. The trial is ongoing.