A maths teacher's tragic fate has been laid bare in an inquest ruling that the crash of his light aircraft into the English Channel was a deliberate act. Gerald Mepham, 55, from Portsmouth, was known for being cautious when flying over water – a paradox given the circumstances of his final flight on January 10th.
Mepham's Piper Tomahawk disappeared from radar approximately eight miles out to sea just before dusk. Those familiar with him expressed shock and confusion at this decision, particularly Sean O'Farrell, who managed Goodwood control tower that day, recalling Mepham's recent hernia operation and his partner's description of him being 'very down'.
It was six weeks after the disappearance that Mepham's remains were found on the coast by a dog-walker. An inquest held earlier this month confirmed the cause of death as suicide, casting a sombre light on allegations made against him. Just two days before his flight, Mepham had been suspended from Priory School in Portsmouth following serious claims made by two pupils.
The suspension was announced amidst an ongoing investigation into 'serious allegations' at the school, with local education authority confirming their 'full support' for the probe and strict adherence to child protection legislation. Police, while releasing details of a teacher's brief arrest on suspicion of handling indecent images of children, were tight-lipped about specifics due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry.
While official lines surrounding Mepham's death remain guarded, questions arise regarding the suicide ruling and its implications for his alleged victims. Friends, colleagues from the flying club and teaching union, as well as those familiar with Mepham and his 32-year-long relationship with his partner, have raised doubts about whether this admission of guilt was an act of desperation or a premeditated choice.