A former teacher and assistant priest has been charged with assaulting boys.

Christopher Howarth, 66, retired, of Rocks Park Road, Uckfield, is due to appear on bail at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 20, charged with 24 offences, all allegedly taking place in the Uckfield area.

Howarth, who taught at Uckfield Community Technology College until 2007, was charged today. 

He is accused of 12 counts of causing engagement in sexual activity with a boy now aged 19 between 2005 and 2011, two of sexual assault by penetration against the same boy over the same period, nine of sexual assault against a boy now aged 20 between 2004 and 2012 and one of causing the same boy to watch a sexual act.

A Sussex Police statement said: “The charges, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, follow an investigation by specialist Sussex Police child protection detectives.

“Police emphasise that there are no allegations of offending by Howarth against any other person.”

The Diocese of Chichester confirmed he had been suspended from his role in December 2012.

An East Sussex Police spokesman said: “Chris Howarth retired from his role at Uckfield Community Technology College in 2007 so no longer works at the school. Clearly with a criminal investigation underway we’re not able to comment further at this stage.”