CALVIN KINGSBURY AND SHOCKING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN ABERYSTWYTH

A teacher and former mayor of Aberystwyth, Calvin Kingsbury, has been involved in a disturbing case of sexual misconduct involving a teenage student, which has garnered significant attention in the local community. Kingsbury, also known as Charlie Kingsbury, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on 19 April 2023 to face serious charges related to his inappropriate relationship with a minor.

The 29-year-old, who previously served as the mayor of Aberystwyth during 2020/21 and was a representative for Penparcau on the Aberystwyth Town Council from 2017, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to multiple charges. These included abusing a position of trust, inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17, and engaging in sexual activity with a girl in the same age range in Aberystwyth on 27 March of the previous year. At the time of the offences, Kingsbury was employed as a teacher at a local school in Aberystwyth and was married, adding a layer of betrayal to the case.

Court proceedings revealed that the relationship between Kingsbury and the teenage girl began through social media interactions. The girl followed him on Instagram, and Kingsbury initially responded by messaging her, indicating that he would have to remove her as a follower and suggesting they discuss the matter at school. The following day, after a lesson, Kingsbury approached the girl and expressed concern about how it might appear if they continued to follow each other on social media. He also told her that it would be acceptable to keep their interactions secret, instructing her to delete messages after each conversation to avoid detection.

Prosecutors detailed how, after this initial contact, Kingsbury’s messages became flirtatious. He complimented her appearance, describing her hair as “immaculate,” and expressed surprise that she was still a virgin. During the court hearing, the prosecution’s barrister, Alycia Carpanini, highlighted that Kingsbury admitted he could not promise anything romantic because he was still married. He also inquired whether the girl was seeing anyone else, further indicating the inappropriate nature of their communication.

The situation escalated when Kingsbury encouraged the girl to visit his home. She was advised to wear a hat to avoid recognition, and she entered the property through the rear. Court testimony described how the two began kissing, with Kingsbury biting her lip and her reciprocating. He admitted to not having condoms and stated that they could engage in all sexual acts except vaginal sex. Subsequently, they moved to a downstairs study, where both partially undressed and performed sexual acts on each other.

Following the encounter, Kingsbury sent a message to the girl warning her to be more cautious about visiting his home in the future. The court was told that he had since left his teaching position and the area altogether, no longer working in education.

A victim impact statement read aloud in court revealed the emotional toll on the girl. She described herself as “always an anxious person” and explained that her anxiety was compounded by the secrecy surrounding their relationship. She stated that she ended the relationship because of its negative impact on her education. Despite acknowledging that nobody was calling Kingsbury a bad person, she expressed her understanding that his actions were wrong.

In mitigation, Kingsbury’s defense lawyer, Dan Jones, emphasized that his client had no prior convictions and had fully admitted his guilt during police interviews. The lawyer acknowledged that Kingsbury would never be able to teach again, which was an inevitable consequence of his actions, and accepted responsibility for his misconduct.

Judge Catherine Richards summarized the case, noting that Kingsbury and the girl had entered into a relationship over a very short period, fully aware that it was inappropriate. She pointed out the significant planning involved and Kingsbury’s role in giving instructions to the girl. The judge acknowledged Kingsbury’s remorse and his early admission of guilt but emphasized the seriousness of the offence.

While the judge stated that Kingsbury was not considered a danger to the public and had no previous criminal record, she also highlighted the potential for rehabilitation. Ultimately, Kingsbury was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 30 days of a rehabilitation requirement, perform 180 hours of unpaid work, and register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, a contact ban was imposed, preventing him from making any contact with the victim for three years.