CARLY DEAR FROM THATCHAM CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE AND HYTHE

In October 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Carly Dear, a former teacher from Thatcham, who was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual misconduct against a young girl. The allegations revealed a pattern of grooming and abuse that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was still a schoolgirl.

During a trial held at Canterbury Crown Court, jurors heard harrowing details of how Dear, then a PE teacher at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls in Maidstone, Kent, used sweets as a means to lure her young victim into a false sense of trust. The girl, whose identity remains protected, recounted how Dear would shower her with treats before subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults. The abuse reportedly took place over an extended period, with Dear allegedly groping the girl in school changing rooms and engaging in increasingly serious sexual acts.

The victim described how Dear maintained contact through phone calls, often expressing her longing by saying, “I missed you so much,” especially when she returned from holidays. Dear also repeatedly professed her love for the girl, attempting to manipulate her emotionally. The situation escalated when Dear invited the girl to her home in Whitstable, Kent, where she continued her abusive behavior.

As the girl progressed into university, Dear’s obsession persisted. She traveled hundreds of miles to her campus and even went as far as to lock her in a hotel room in a bid to carry out further sexual acts. When the girl threatened to report Dear to the authorities, Dear allegedly panicked and offered her around £10,000, which she claimed was to help with her personal issues, including a drug problem and financial difficulties. Dear insisted that the money was meant to support her recovery and not as a bribe.

Throughout the trial, Dear denied the allegations, dismissing them as “a lie, sick and disgusting.” She claimed that she had been falsely accused and that the accusations had destroyed her career and personal life. Dear, who also previously taught at Brockhill Park in Hythe and Rochester Grammar School, maintained her innocence, asserting, “I am not the monster.” She further denied any involvement in the sexual assault, including the claim that she had assaulted the girl inside her car.

Jurors convicted Dear of six charges, including four counts of indecent assault, one count of abusing a position of trust, and inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17. She was acquitted of one count of sexual assault, which involved touching the girl over her clothes in a school changing room. The court heard that Dear’s actions were a clear breach of trust and a grave abuse of her position as an educator.

Judge Mark Weekes addressed Dear directly, criticizing her for “burying her head in the sand” and warned that a “lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.” Dear was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14 next year, with sentencing pending reports. As she wept in court following the verdict, the seriousness of her crimes was underscored by the court’s judgment and the impact on her victim’s life.