Exclusive: Hornchurch choirmaster found guilty of indecent assault on children.

Following a long and dedicated investigation by Met East Area officers, a Hornchurch choir master has been found guilty of indecent assault on a male aged 8-11 years old and indecency with a child aged 8-11 and indecency with a child aged 5-7 years old.

On 5 January 2019 police received a report of sexual assault committed against two boys aged under 14 years in the Havering area.

Following the investigation by officers from the Met’s East Area Command Thomas Rodgers, 44 of Billericay was arrested on 10 February 2019 on suspicion of sexual assault and was charged by postal requisition on 10 March 2023.

Rodgers was bailed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court where, following trial on Tuesday, 5 December, he was convicted of indecent assault on a male aged 8-11 years; indecency with a child aged 8-11 years and indecency with a child aged 5-7 years.

Rodgers is the musical director of the Hornchurch Can’t Sing Choir and a music lecturer at a college in Billericay.

He next appears in custody for sentencing at the same court on Wednesday, 10 January.

Police Constable Liam Woon investigating told the Havering Daily: “The offences in this case took place in the late 90s when the victims were children. That trauma has followed them throughout their lives. 

“I hope this conviction brings the victims a sense of closure and highlights that no matter how much time has passed, we will investigate all reports of sexual abuse with a view to placing those responsible before the courts.”

More information is available on the various ways you can report sexual assault.

If someone is in immediate danger dial 999.

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