Three men have today been charged with a total of 53 offences relating to historic sex abuse at a Kent school over a 26-year period.

It comes after an investigation into the sexual abuse of children at Swaylands School, in Penshurst, between 1967 and 1993.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said the charges follow a lengthy and complex investigation where multiple victims were identified.

Colwyn Baker, 70, of Morningside, Edinburgh, has been charged with 29 counts of indecent assault and five other serious sex charges.

David Thomas Hennessy, 73, of Westfields, Narborough, Kings Lynn, has been charged with 16 counts of indecent assault.

Nigel Anthony Putman, 61, of Kings Road, Slough, has been charged with three counts of indecent assault.

The trio will appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 11.

Swaylands School, which was set up in 1942, has since been converted into flats.

Anyone who has suffered childhood abuse is urged to phone the National Association for People Abused in Childhood on 0800 085 3330 or visit www.napac.org.uk.

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