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Exclusive: Police investigating ‘The Penguin Lessons’ author as fresh sexual abuse claims revealed
Posted
November 11, 2025
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11:51Now PlayingIt's a quirky film about a disillusioned English school teacher who makes a new life in South America, where he rescues a penguin. The film is based on a memoir by a man called Tom Michell.
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Last month, this programme revealed that Michell, known during his teaching days as Mike Thompson, was accused of sexually abusing pupils at a school in Dorset during the 1970s.
Tonight, we can disclose the teacher-turned-author is potentially facing allegations from up to 11 men both in Dorset and Cornwall. Within the last few hours, Dorset Police have told us they've launched an investigation. Thompson continues to vehemently deny the allegations.
This exclusive report contains distressing details of sexual abuse.
If you’d like to get in touch with Channel 4 News in relation to this story please contact: c4investigations@itn.co.uk
Producer: Claire Sinka
Cameras: Devron Callender, Paul Mackeson
Picture Editor: Lorenzo Dodi
Graphics: Sue Kearley
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