Ex-headmaster on neglect charges
A former headmaster at a children’s home training school today appeared in court charged with failing to act on reports of sexual abuse made by boys in his care.George Meanwell, 79, was granted unconditional bail at Birmingham Magistrates Court after appearing in the dock accused of 18 offences alleged to have been committed between 1971 and 1982.Meanwell, of Tennal Drive, Harborne, Birmingham, is alleged to have failed to perform his duty while serving in a public office at the nearby Tennal Assessment Centre, which closed in 1985.The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the brief hearing.He faces three counts of assault and 15 charges of failing to act on allegations of abuse made by 14 boys.Magistrates transferred the case to Birmingham Crown Court, where a preliminary hearing will be held on April 30.
