Sex trial head may have fled

Detectives are examining CCTV film from ferry ports today in the hunt for "suicide" headmaster Alastair Wilbee

They now fear the father of two may have fled after an allegation of sex abuse.

Mr Wilbee, 47, was thought to have killed himself after he was charged with indecent assault, which he denies. He vanished two weeks ago, before a local newspaper reported he had been charged over a claim he molested a boy of 10 while comforting him in a thunderstorm.

Mr Wilbee told his teacher wife Gail, 48, his life was "ruined" and left his £300,000 home at Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

He was suspended from Summerfields primary school. Police and coastguards searched the island with bloodhounds and a spotter plane using thermal imaging equipment.

It is believed he may have boarded a ferry to Southampton or Portsmouth to go into hiding on the mainland.

Inspector Mark Bell said: "We believe it is not a case of Mr Wilbee trying to abscond from justice but rather the result of the pressure." But Mrs Wilbee and children Benjamin, 19, and Katie, a secondary school pupil, believe Mr Wilbee was driven to suicide.

Mrs Wilbee said: "I've given up thinking it might be him when the phone rings, or when the doorbell goes.

"If I don't think like this, I would fall to pieces. It's the only way I can cope.

"I have to be strong for the children's sake. Katie and I have agreed that Alastair will never return. That way, if he suddenly walks through the door it's a bonus."

She added: "Those accused of sex offences should be given the anonymity extended to their accuser."